Mariah Carey May Join Simon Cowell on X Factor USA as a Mentor

UPDATE: Entertainment Weekly sources report that pop superstar Mariah Carey could join Simon Cowell on the American edition of The X Factor in a mentoring capacity for contestants. According to an insider, the idea is under discussion and Mariah — having recently welcomed her children — might become involved during the later stages of the competition.

The insider told the magazine that Mariah and Simon “are great friends,” and that she has long expressed interest in working with the show. While no final arrangement has been confirmed, producers are reportedly exploring ways she could participate, particularly during the critical live and final rounds when mentorship and advice from established artists can influence contestants’ performances and public perception.

Separately, the UK tabloid the Daily Star has suggested that Mariah could fill a role similar to the one occupied on the UK series by Simon’s former partner, Sinitta. That report says Cowell plans to rely on a trusted musical advisor to help choose and refine acts as the series approaches its final stages.

Sinitta, a recording artist and performer who once dated Simon Cowell, is better known to British audiences than to many in the United States. She has served on the UK version of the show in a helper role for several seasons and was reportedly hopeful of being invited to take part in the US production. The tabloid quotes Sinitta reacting to the rumor: “Well, let’s just say feathers will fly if Mariah takes my spot. Although she is a mega diva vocally, you can expect another XF USA drama. I won’t just roll over and take it. I hope she can run in high heels.”

That response recreates familiar tabloid tension between high-profile personalities when casting and advisory roles are discussed, but it should be noted that much of the public drama around this casting remains speculative. Simon Cowell himself has acknowledged that conversations with Mariah have taken place, leaving open the possibility of some form of involvement without confirming specific duties or a full-time role on the judging panel.

Reports indicate that Cowell will travel to a stately UK mansion for the “judges’ homes” stage of the American competition this summer, a phase of the show where judges host promising contestants in their homes or private settings to mentor and help them prepare for the live shows. That portion of the format often involves hands-on coaching, song selection, and image shaping — all areas where an experienced artist like Mariah could contribute value if she were to participate.

While tabloids speculate about replacements and rivalries, the official line from production remains cautious. In past seasons, The X Factor’s format has allowed guest mentors and featured artists to appear as advisors without joining the permanent judging panel, so several plausible ways exist for a high-profile artist to be involved without committing to a long-term television role.

The premiere date for The X Factor USA is scheduled for September 21 on FOX. As the launch approaches, more concrete information about guest mentors, advisors, and the final composition of the judging team is likely to emerge from official announcements and press releases. Until then, interest will continue to swirl around any potential collaboration between Mariah Carey and Simon Cowell, given both artists’ high profiles and the publicity such a pairing would generate.

In summary, multiple outlets report that Mariah Carey is being considered to assist Simon Cowell on The X Factor USA, particularly during later, mentor-driven stages of the competition. While Sinitta’s reaction in the UK press adds tabloid flavor to the story, the situation remains unconfirmed and subject to further negotiation and official confirmation from the show’s producers or the artists themselves.