Simon Cowell Determined to Find Big Name to Beat American Idol Ratings

L.A. Reid has reportedly signed up to be a judge on the second series of US 'X Factor'.

The music mogul is thought to have signed a contract on Friday to reprise his position on the panel following the exits of fellow judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, as well as host Steve Jones.

A source told The Hollywood Reporter that the Epic Records chief was the one judge that audiences seemed to embrace.

Beyonce Knowles and Mariah Carey have both been talked about as possible new panelists on the Fox show, and boss Simon Cowell is believed to have offered the 'Single Ladies' singer $500 million for five seasons on the program as he aims to beat rival show 'American Idol' in the ratings battle.

A source explained: "He wants a big name female star on the panel. Mariah [Carey] is good, but she's not that hot today. He wants Beyonce because that would immediately give him the bounce needed to beat 'American Idol'."

Randy Jackson - who judges on 'American Idol' - believes Mariah, who he manages, would be an "amazing" addition to US 'X Factor'.

He said: "She'd be amazing. I mean, I manage her, so of course I'm going to say that. She'd be amazing."

©Bang Showbiz