Randy Jackson: 'Mariah Carey would be amazing X Factor USA judge'

Randy Jackson has backed Mariah Carey to join The X Factor USA as a judge.

The American Idol judge was quizzed during a recent press call about this week's sudden exits of Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul from The X Factor and admitted that he feels very sorry for his old friend Abdul.

"I'm sad to hear about all what's going on with that show. But all of those people are dear friends of mine as you know," he said. "I have not spoken to Paula. I mean, we texted back and forth."

Jackson was also asked about rumours that 'We Belong Together' singer Mariah Carey could be hired as a replacement for Abdul and Scherzinger on The X Factor.

"She'd be amazing. I manage her, of course I'm going to say that. Don't know if that's ever going to happen, but I think Simon's one of the smartest people I know," Jackson commented.

"I'm sure he's got some very interesting ideas up his sleeve... Simon's one of my dearest friends in the world."



It was reported on Thursday that Cowell might be planning to offer Beyoncé $100m to become an X Factor judge.

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton has also sent Cowell a video message asking to join the X Factor judging panel.

> X Factor winner Melanie Amaro's Super Bowl ad to feature Elton John