Will Smith, Mick Jagger, Cheryl Cole, Victoria Beckham, Mariah Carey, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger, Katy Perry, George Michael... okay, so we may have been exaggerating with the 127 estimation, but the rumours surrounding the spare judge's seat on the forthcoming US X Factor haven't stopped flying around for months. Rihanna is the latest name to be thrown into Simon Cowell's sorting hat by the tabloids. But we're getting bored now, so go and just put us out our misery, Cowell.

Our HM moles inform us that George Michael will be the man to take up the spare male position on the panel, replacing the irreplaceable Louis Walsh. And there's not a doubt in our mind that Cheryl Cole will be in there too. The role is vital if she wants to make a name for herself across the pond, and Simon's highly unlikely to leave his besser mate out, is he? We can't imagine an X Factor judging panel without those two.

But who will fill the final female seat in between Cheryl and George?

If he can get her, then the best choice would be Katy Perry - someone who's actually got a bit of a personality and genuine wit. But the latest rumour of Rihanna wouldn't be a bad shout either. She is, after all, the biggest popstar on the planet right now.

Look magazine kickstarted the gossip, and their source said:

"To get her on the show would give it real star power. Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole are also being considered for places on the judging panel, because they've got a proven track record of being great judges, but that doesn't rule Rihanna out."

Hold up a minute. Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole have a track record of being great judges? All the former does is whine and woop, while the latter brought fucking Cher Lloyd into our lives - an unforgivable sin.

 

"She has a massive appeal and a real edge to her. Simon knows she wouldn't be afraid to give her opinion."

They're right, Rihanna wouldn't be afraid to give her opinion. Especially if the auditionee sang a Chris Brown song...