Simon Cowell Says Fergie Was 'Put Forward' As Possible 'X Factor' Judge

He also explains new audition booths being placed around the country.
By James Dinh

Simon Cowell
Photo: Ian Derry / FOX

With "X Factor" auditions under way, Simon Cowell is slowly dishing out even more details surrounding the highly anticipated singing competition, including another possible contender for the show's judging panel: Fergie.

On Thursday (April 7), the former "American Idol" judge confirmed that the Black Eyed Peas songstress is among the many possible additions to the lineup.

"All I can tell you is that her name was put forward," Cowell said in a conference call with reporters. "But like a lot of other people we've spoken to, we have to check out everybody's availability. There's a lot of time you have to put into the show, because it's not a 'two-day-a-week' with this. When you're in the live show, it's because you're mentoring the contestant. You're working five or six days a week."

In addition to talk of the show's possible judges, Cowell also spoke about an alternative method hopefuls can go about auditioning for "X Factor." In partnership with MyStudio, Cowell revealed that the series is expanding the audition process with recording studios across the country, where contestants can videotape an a cappella performance and explain why they should win the singing competition. Six audition studios will be available through the country and remain open until the end of April.

"I don't think it's probably as fun as attending an open audition," he said of the booth auditions. "But it is your chance to be seen and heard, and that's why we've done this. I'm going to try and put these in as many cities as possible prior to our filming."

Asked how the show's auditions are going thus far, the music exec exclaimed the turnout has been "great" and "much higher" than anticipated.

In late February, Cowell broke down the rules for the forthcoming series in a promo, insisting America has yet to see a show like this before. "The show is basically a singing competition with a twist," he said. "The auditions are open to anyone who can sing. You can be 12; you can be 112. You can be in a group; you can have 100 people in the group. It doesn't matter."

"X Factor" MyStudio audition booths will open at the following dates/locations, according to a press release:

» April 8 - Honolulu, HI @ Pearlridge Center Uptown
» April 8 - Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Mills
» April 9 - Nashville, TN @ Coolsprings Galleria
» April 12 - Anchorage, AK @ Dimond Center
» April 15 - Kansas City, KS @ Oak Park Mall
» April 16 - Denver, CO @ Colorado Mills

Do you want to see Fergie join the "X Factor" judging panel? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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• Fergie

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1661565/simon-cowell-x-factor-fergie.jhtml

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