She’s hot, raunchy and very controversial…
But could she single-handedly save the X Factor?
Simon Cowell is taking time out this Christmas to meet up with Rihanna and tell her he wants her on the X Factor.
The music mogul is so keen to get the superstar on board with the slumping talent series, that he will offer her a choice of a judging role on either its UK or US show.
Cowell believes the singer’s worldwide appeal and star quality will provide a huge ratings boost to whichever show she chooses.
A source said: “Simon is a huge admirer of Rihanna and knows she’s star quality. As well as bringing an aura to the panel thanks to her current standing in music, she is also feisty and will make great TV.
“Simon loves these sort of characters.”
He won’t be travelling far to meet RiRi as Simon traditionally spends Christmas on Barbados.
Rihanna, 24, a native of the Caribbean island, also plans to spend the festive season there with family.
Would you tune in to watch Rihanna…?
The latest series of The UK X Factor has flopped, with last weekend’s final pulling its lowest audience for seven years to watch James Arthur win the title.
The show’s fortunes have slumped since Cowell left the judging panel in 2010 to concentrate on the American version of the show. But ratings have also been disappointing after two series there.
Cowell, 53, also wants Rihanna’s on-off boyfriend Chris Brown to take over from departing judge LA Reid on the American show.
Cowell won’t be put off by R&B singer Brown’s bad boy reputation and thinks he’d get huge publicity.
The source added: “The US X Factor has improved on the first season’s ratings but it’s got some way to go to reach Simon’s expectations. Adding Chris to the panel will certainly create a talking point.”
Rihanna recently got back with Brown, 23, four years after he was found guilty of attacking her after a pre-Grammys party.
