X Factor in secret talks to sign up Mariah

Divas battle for judge spot

MARIAH Carey is being lined up as a replacement for Nicole Scherzinger on The X Factor, the Mirror can exclusively reveal.

Producers have opened up talks with the superstar to be a judge on the hit ITV show, as Nicole is stalling over signing a new contract.

The former Pussycat Doll, who infuriated Andrew Lloyd Webber by pulling out of a Broadway show to join the panel last year, is the only judge not to have agreed a new deal.

With filming on the ITV series due to start next month, show bosses have approached Carey, 47, who is one of the best-selling artists of all time.

The American diva – who has previously guest-judged on American Idol in the US – is said to be “really keen”.

A source said: “Mariah really wants to do it. Nicole is not committing at the moment, although she did meet up with Simon Cowell this week.”

Earlier this week Louis Walsh revealed he, Sharon Osbourne and supremo Cowell were all confirmed as judges, but that Nicole, 38, was yet to commit because of a film offer.

He said: “I hope everyone is on board this year, but I have heard Nicole has not signed. She might be getting a big movie like Wicked.”

If Nicole leaves and Mariah doesn’t work out, it’s thought Mel B might return. Louis said: “Mel B’s done it before, so would be good, and she’s currently on the US show with Simon.”