When Simon Cowell fired Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger from the X Factor after one season, the word was that he was looking for stars that could bring an X factor and presence all their own to the show.

A number of the hottest women in show business have been rumored to be in the running to join Cowell as judges on the show including Katy Perry, Fergie, and Janet Jackson. According to reports there is one person that Cowell would just love to have—pop icon Britney Spears.

“I’m fascinated by Britney,” Cowell said. “The fact that she’s one of the most talked about — not just pop stars, but people — in the world today means that you’ve got this star power. She’s still hot. She’s still having hit records, and she’s still controversial. There’s a reason for that.”

Britney’s last album was released in March 2011. Since then it has been certified platinum and led to a very successful tour throughout the United States and Canada in the latter half of the year. Her popularity led to her being named Number 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 list for 2011.

Whether she will join the show or not is still up in the air. According to the rumor mill, Britney turned down the $10 million she was offered, demanding $20 million instead. However, the rumor mill also has her new fiancé, former manager Jason Trawick, involved in negotiations with the show.