Will Nicki Minaj, Taylor Momsen Join Simon Cowell as 'X Factor' Judges?

Auditions for Simon Cowell's new talent competition 'The X Factor' will kick off March 27 in Los Angeles, and in the meantime, suspense is building about just who will be seated at the judges' table.

Cowell made the first announcement last week, confirming that famed music producer Antonio 'L.A.' Reid has agreed to sit alongside him on the panel when the series launches.

Now, sources are floating two new names, charismatic young singers and headline-makers who are allegedly in the running to join 'X Factor': Nicki Minaj, 26, and Taylor Momsen, 17.

An insider tells the New York Post that Minaj met with Cowell in Los Angeles recently to discuss appearing on the series. "Nicki has a large following and she fits well with the ethos of the show, which plans to usher in a new generation of musical talent," explains the Post's source. "'X Factor' is aiming for a younger audience...This isn't a done deal yet, but Nicki would be great for the show. She fits the idea that 'X Factor' will be exciting, vibrant and different. And the show would also be great for her career."

Reps for 'The X Factor' would only say the Minaj rumor was "early speculation."

As for former 'Gossip Girl' star Momsen, Celebuzz reports that producers for the show have the controversial singer in mind as an ideal judge because she's "young, hip and edgy."

The U.K. version of 'X Factor' is a hit, credited with discovering powerhouse singer Leona Lewis during its run on British TV. Versions of the show in countries around the world have crowned dozens of winners. After nine seasons anchoring the judges' panel on 'American Idol,' Cowell, 51, walked away in order to focus on producing the new U.S. version of 'X Factor.' Stakes are high for the contestants, as the winning singer stands to receive a $5 million recording contract.

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