Simon Cowell, the man behind the hit talent television show the X Factor, has spoken on US radio to confirm that singing diva Mariah Carey will be taking part in the new US version to hit the small screen in the autumn.

During an interview with Jackie Brown on US radio Simon Cowell revealed that he had been in talks with Mariah Carey although her exact role on the show is yet to be determined.

Simon Cowell said: “I think Mariah will have a role on the live TV shows. I met her recently and she was on great form. And her idea was to be the judge of the judges, which only Mariah could come up with!”

He continued: “She will be involved in some form. I literally adore her. I love her to bits.”

just as to who the judges for the upcoming US show will be still has to be confirmed by Simon Cowell, all fans know is that Simon will be one of the judges with record executive L.A Reid, the former head of Island Def Jam Music Group, also joining him on the panel.

We do however already know some of the names that will not be taking part in the show, including Rihanna.

She told press how she had wanted to be part of the US X Factor but was unable to commit to the timetable of the show because of tour commitments.

“It is something that I would have loved to do actually. But our schedule doesn't allow it and it's a demanding schedule to be on that show.”

She added: “You have to be around for months at a time, which is impossible for me.”