Originally Posted by Daily Mail

It is precisely the sort of headline-grabbing coup that The X Factor needs to boost its flagging ratings.

Simon Cowell has persuaded Madonna to perform in the live final of the ITV talent show – but there are strings attached.

One source said: ‘Madonna will have been provisionally booked because the final can be subject to change if an artist doesn’t approve of the finalists – especially if they have agreed to sing with them.

‘Someone like Madonna will want a lot of creative control over her appearance, but for Simon the ratings will be worth it.’

But the source added that there were also conditions Madonna must agree to.

‘She has been told that her label will be expected to pay for any stage props and backing dancers she brings with her,’ the insider said.

The 56-year-old pop queen’s appearance on December 13 will hark back to the show’s heyday when it could attract superstars of the calibre of Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Beyoncé Knowles.

And Madonna’s appearance could also boost sales of her as-yet untitled 13th studio album, due for release just after the live final.

Another source close to the show told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It had been rumoured that Irish rockers U2 were being lined up to take part. But that has not happened and the confusion may have come because they share the same manager, Guy Oseary.’

An ITV source said last night: ‘We do always look for the best artists for the final. Madonna’s name will have been on a list at some point, yes. But nothing will be made certain until just before the live final.’

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet (Post 7329629)

Jesus get some new talent on and not her

Not here for the sycophantic ovation from the judges and Dermot crawling up her fossilized ass.

Originally Posted by Who Is She? (Post 7329632)

**** yasss:love:

Lol @ Rihanna being shaded from the 'star studded final artists' :fan:

Originally Posted by Raph (Post 7329694)

:worship: #sorrynotsorryslutanna

Originally Posted by Firewire (Post 7329705)

How is Rihanna a slut?

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet (Post 7329778)

Not sure why Britney was not asked rather than that old hag?

Originally Posted by Firewire (Post 7329769)

Not here for blatant misogynistic comments

Originally Posted by Who Is She? (Post 7329632)

**** yasss:love:

Lol @ Rihanna being shaded from the 'star studded final artists' :fan:

Originally Posted by Raph (Post 7329694)

:worship: #sorrynotsorryslutanna

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet (Post 7329753)

she is a filthy slut tbh

Originally Posted by Hayden (Post 7329806)

rihanna isn't performing bc she has nothing out, and she's the best selling digital artist EVER so shade from a dying show in the uk won't bother her.

Originally Posted by Hayden (Post 7329806)

rihanna isn't performing bc she has nothing out, and she's the best selling digital artist EVER so shade from a dying show in the uk won't bother her.

Originally Posted by Josy (Post 7329827)

Doesn't Katy Perry hold that title now?