‘The X Factor’ UK: Simon Cowell on Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, other rumors

Now is time to stop the presses if you’ve been hoping for a few big names on “The X Factor” panel … even though it didn’t really take much of a genius or master-researcher to figure out that some of these people were not going to be a judge on the show this coming season.

In a recent mini-conference, Simon Cowell completely and understandably dismissed the gossip that we could see Rihanna on the show this summer, saying that no one ever even talked to her about the job. This makes sense, given that there’s no way that she would have ever accepted the offer, either. (She’s got a few other commitments on her plate, to put it lightly.)

Two other names that have been ruled out? Ellie Goulding, who is probably also far too busy, and pop star Rita Ora. We thought that the latter may have had a slight chance of getting on for a gig, mostly because she had guest-judged in the past pretty effectively.

So where does this leave Simon to find another female judge to accompany Cheryl Cole? Almost back to square one. We’re sure that he could get someone like a former Spice Girl, but Mel B’s job at “America’s Got Talent” could conflict and most of the group would feel like a lateral move at this point, anyway. He needs to either find someone who is either a young star gaining big traction in the business, or a legend who brings a different air to the panel but isn’t getting a ton of press anymore. This is an attractive gig for many artists, but not necessarily ones who are currently making a ton of money touring. That’s why many of the names that have floated out there do not really hold any water.

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Photo: ITV