The X Factor's highly anticipated US premiere is mere weeks away, and the buzz surrounding what surprises the show has in store is reaching fever pitch. According to the latest reports Mariah Carey is understood to be in 'final negotiations' with show producers to appear as a mentor on the show. The superstar singer has long been rumoured to be involved in the series and last month Simon Cowell confirmed that they were in talks with Carey but were yet to settle on a role for her.
Now, it looks as though the Heartbeaker hitmaker, 41, will act as a mentor for contestants during the judges' houses stage of auditions. The celebrity guest mentors will help to 'whip the contestants into shape', Deadline reports, for the final round of auditions where the judges will make their finalist selections. In the UK series, big names like will.i.am, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia and Sharon Osbourne have assisted during the judges' houses round.
It is unknown whether Cowell will dump Sinitta, who has been his longtime guest judge on the UK X Factor, in favour of partnering with Mariah, or if the diva will work with another panel member. 'He's still finalising her deal,' a source told Deadline. Show bosses are said to be wooing 'the Beyoncés, the Rihannas, all of them,' to fill the extra mentor positions. Cowell spoke frankly about his negotiations with Mariah last month. 'I think Mariah will have a role on the TV live shows. I met her recently and she was on great form,' the music mogul said.