[reece(:]

She's one of the original pop divas with a huge catalogue of hits.

And X Factor producers are reportedly lining up superstar Mariah Carey to replace Nicole Scherzinger on the judging panel when the ITV singing competition returns this autumn.

According to The Mirror, the former Pussycat Dolls singer - a fan favourite for her wacky sayings and loud personality - has been stalling signing her new contract, while Mariah is said to be 'really keen'.

The Hero hitmaker has plenty of past experience, having acted as a guest judge on American Idol in the US.

She also boasts the same star power and raw talent that Nicole currently brings to the panel - and remains one of the best-selling artists of all time.

A source told the paper: 'Mariah really wants to do it. Nicole is not committing at the moment, although she did meet up with Simon Cowell this week.'

MailOnline has contacted both singers' representatives for comment.

Louis Walsh recently revealed that Nicole could be stalling due to a potential big screen remake of music Wicked.

The Irish music manager told The Mirror, 'Nicole might be getting a big movie like Wicked', adding that Mel B would be his top choice to replace her.

Mel - who is currently in the midst of a difficult divorce battle with husband Stephen Belafonte - proved popular with UK viewers for her no-nonsense feedback when she acted as a judge on the show in 2014.

Louis candidly admitted that his own seat was safe, having negotiated a deal to remain on Simon Cowell's flagship programme for another two years.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...#ixzz4gurpvQEt

Legend coming?

[Marsh.]

I don't watch but she'd be awful.

[Jack_]

No new judges, it's imperative the panel remains the same for the first time in seven years

They got it right last series, so throw the cheque book at Nicole

[Withano]

I'm not trying to be funny here, but does she have a personality? Shes always came off bland to me.

[Shaun]

Mariah would be legendary. Replace Sharon with her instead.

[Wizard.]

If I was Nicole I'd take the movie no questions asked, that's a once in a lifetime role.

[Owoaje1993]

I'd have
Simon
Mariah
Louis
MelB

Categories
Mariah:Girls
Louis:Overs
MelB:Groups
Simon:Boys

[Nicky91]

Mariah mentoring the girls would be a fab choice i think

[Ross.]

Here for a feud with Shaz

[T*]

skinny queen!

[Marsh.]

Nicole was stupid to pass up the Cats musical for this crud.

Save your career Nicole, whilst you still can!

[Jordan.]

Here for the influx of new shady gifs if it happens

[LukeB]

Nicole can go. Here for Mariah

[Jake.]

She can't move her face tho

[Marsh.]

Originally Posted by Jake.

She can't move her face tho

or her lazy backside.

[Pete.]

The Messiah Carey?

[Headie]

Yass, she was iconic on American Idol and ha feud with Nicki was legendary

I really hope this is true Nicole was a flop last year for the first time so she can go

[Mitchell]

Wasn't she paid like $15 million for American idol?