US star Mariah Carey is to join The X Factor USA, her husband Nick Cannon has revealed. The R&B and soul singer, who has been linked to the show for some time, is said to be “excited” about taking part – but her exact role is not yet known. “Now it's official,” Nick told Extra, adding: “I still don't know what she's doing, but she's doing something! She's ready... she's excited!"
It is thought that Heartbreaker singer Mariah will be joining Simon Cowell at the Judges’ Houses stage of the competition, most likely helping him pick his finalists on the show. The star, who has regained her enviable shape after giving birth to twins Moroccan and Monroe in April, was given the thumbs-up from former X Factor UK judge Sharon Osbourne, who said she’s “perfect” for the show.
"She's the world's greatest singer,” Sharon said. “This is a singing contest... she knows what people want and that's why she sells millions of albums today."Sharon, who is married to rocker Ozzy Osbourne, added: "He [Simon] couldn't have a better person."
Meanwhile The X Factor UK returns this Saturday when viewers will see the next lot of hopefuls battle to be taken through to the Bootcamp stage. The first show last weekend attracted a peak of 12.6 million viewers, who tuned in to see new judges Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos join Louis Walsh on the panel.