Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Rihanna Up For “The X Factor” Judging Panel

English Sweetheart Cheryl Cole may be frozen out of the upcoming American adaptation of The X Factor as FOX and series producers eye pop powerhouses Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, and Rihanna for a spot on the judges’ panel.

The popular British X Factor judge — a talent show alum herself — had been expected to make the transition across the Atlantic to join her fellow judge Simon Cowell, however the decision has reportedly been reconsidered as producers face fears that Cole simply isn’t famous enough Stateside to attract an audience. There are also concerns that Cheryl’s heavy accent will make it difficult for the Girls Aloud frontwoman to “connect” with an American audience.

Xtina and besties Rihanna and Katy — the former of which are both multiple Grammy winners — are in line for the coveted spot on the judging panel because of their credibility in the industry, new reports of the UK claim, but that news likely won’t go over well with Cole, who recently plopped down $3.5 million on a home near FOX Studios in Los Angeles — where X Factor will be taped.

“Everyone thinks Cheryl has the judging job on US X Factor in the bag. The truth is, nothing has been signed and the producers still aren’t convinced. They are more keen to get a big US star like Katy or Rihanna on the panel – someone who will bring credibility to the show and who is already popular in the US. corner and trying to convince bosses at Fox that the pretty lass would be perfect on the judging panel,” a friend of Cole’s rumoured boyfriend Derek Hough told The Sun Monday.

“Simon has been the only one pushing for her and trying to convince everyone that she’ll be a big hit,” the source added. “They want to see if the American public warm to her before she takes on such a high-profile role in one of the biggest shows on US TV. There have been lots of heated conversations and debates about it.”

A second tipster tattles: “Christina is the one all bosses are agreed on. She has it all; looks, talent and she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She is a massive star globally and her voice is recognized as one of the best of all time so there really isn’t any competition especially where Cheryl is concerned.”