The Huffington Post spoke to the "American Idol" alum and executive producer of the British import singing competition, "The X Factor." Scheduled to begin its run this fall, the rumor mill is burning up over who is going to join him on the show. Already, record exec LA Reid, whom Cowell raves about, is signed up; rumors have also had old friend Paula Abdul, rapper Nicki Minaj and Jessica Simpson joining up, as well.

Each rumor, Cowell says, is leaked by his company after he meets with the candidates, so if you've heard it, chances are there's at least been a meeting. It'll take a lot to sit in that judge's chair, Cowell says, and there's a lot at stake: a $5 million prize. With age limits and genre limitations more or less out the window, it's a wide open competition, something Cowell believes will bring the next big thing to the public's attention.

Source: The Huffington Post