Spears offered 'American Idol' chance

Simon Cowell has offered Britney Spears a chance to audition for American Idol.

The 'Toxic' singer had previously been scheduled to appear on the reality TV show, but pulled out after Cowell reportedly asked her to provide a live performance.

Following the singer's appearance at the MTV Video Awards, which was dubbed an embarrassment by critics, the X Factor judge has said he would give Spears another chance, but only as a contestant.

He told the Daily Star: "Sure, she can come on American Idol - as a contestant. Although if it’s anything like her disastrous return at the MTV Video Music Awards, I wouldn’t put her through to the second round.

He added: "She should have been pulled off the bill that night to save any chance she had of resurrecting her career."

It was reported yesterday that Cowell and his fellow X Factor judge Louis Walsh didn't think Britney Spears would even be able to get through to the second round of their reality TV show.