Simon Cowell Considering Mariah Carey And Others For X Factor

The American version of Simon Cowell's X Factor is six months away, but the buzz surrounding who will be chosen to fill the judge's seats is definitely heating up.

Cowell, who will be one of four judges, has thrown several names around recently including Paula Abdul, former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah Carey and George Michael. But the seats have yet to be filled.

Recent rumors of Jessica Simpson joining the show have also been spreading, after Cowell revealed:

"[Two days ago], we met somebody who I've never met before in my life, who I just loved. And that's why it's good to kind of delay the process. It's not about necessarily the TV show per se, it's people. You genuinely gotta trust that they're gonna be able to do the job you're paying them to do. And like I said, a hit-maker who worked in America and has had experience, I think is crucial to this panel as well."

Unlike American Idol, X Factor has no age limit and will feature a $5 million top prize for the winner. Auditions begin March 27 in Los Angeles, and on-air auditions will take place before a live audience of 5,000, in a concert-like setting.

Find out who's in talks to replace Cowell on UK's X Factor while he's handling things in the US, after the jump ...