Leona Lewis backs 'strong' Pink for 'X Factor' USA judging panel

Leona Lewis has said that she would like to see Pink join the X Factor USA judging panel.

Simon Cowell is currently working to replace axed judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, who will not return for the second series of the Fox competition later this year.

Lewis, who won the 2006 series of the UK version, spoke of her surprise at the changes, telling magazine Ahlan! Live that she "really liked" the original lineup. She said: "I love Nicole Scherzinger and I thought Paula Abdul was really good too."

However, with two famous faces poised to join Cowell and LA Reid, the 'Collide' singer added: "For new judges, I'd like to see someone like Pink. She would be a really cool addition, a strong female with a different perspective and a different angle."

Discussing her upcoming third album, Lewis - pictured with Pink at the 2008 American Music Awards - told the magazine that she is currently in the final stages of the project.

"I'm in the process of arranging it and putting the finishing touches on stuff. I'm really just enjoying the final moments," she said. "I would love to go on tour with this album. That's my favourite part - performing live."

Recent reports have suggested that Britney Spears could appear as a judge, while both Rihanna and Fergie have denied involvement.

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Watch Leona Lewis's video for 'Collide' below: