The X Factor UK: Simon Cowell reportedly wants Harry Styles (go figure)

In what has to be one of the least-surprising news items for today, Simon Cowell apparently loves the idea of Harry Styles on The X Factor. The One Direction member got his start there, and the idea now would be to bring him in for a role at Judges’ Houses, where famous people offer up some insight to the judges and the contestants before arriving to the live shows.

Speaking per The Sun, a source had the following to say about this fairly-obvious collaboration that could be coming up:

“His chart positions clearly show he is set to become the biggest solo star from One Direction … Not only does he seem to be a clear fans’ favourite he’s also being hailed by music critics as well. Nothing has been signed yet but Cowell and Co want to make it happen if schedules allow.”

If Styles is available, it’s hard to see him saying no to the offer, given that it is a ton of publicity for himself over the course of a couple of days. It may also be enough to help boost up the show’s ratings slightly, though it’d be foolish to think that the presence of any one person would double the amount of people watching live. Many of Styles’ fans are younger, and could just watch after the fact through YouTube or some other medium.

While getting Harry would be an enormous get, this ultimately won’t be the saving grace for the new X Factor season. So much of its potential success or failure will be gauged almost entirely by the ability for the show to be able to find talent that can actually be famous and successful after the show. It’s been a long time since that has happened on a level where non-fans of the show have paid attention. There’s been some good talent, but for one reason or another, none of it managed to translate over into stardom after the fact.

There is plenty of time for Harry to figure out if this is something that he wants to do, given that the new X Factor season doesn’t premiere until the late summer and filming for this segment comes at a similar time.

What do you think about Harry Styles temporarily joining The X Factor, especially in the capacity of a guest mentor? Share in the comments below!

Meanwhile, head over here to get some additional news right now when it comes to the show. (Photo: ITV.)