Although buzz about which celebrities could be part of Simon Cowell's new show "The X Issue" is already going sturdy, a new title has been added to the mix.
Jessica Simpson is a frontrunner to become one of many judges alongside Cowell, a present insider tells PEOPLE.
"There [are] loads of conversations happening in the mean time," says the source. "Nobody has been offered a judging function yet as new names preserve coming ahead who need the position, but there are some frontrunners and it's fair to say Jessica is certainly one of them. She's very keen."
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Simpson, 30, has the skills wanted for this specific format, which features a $5 million recording contract because the grand prize, says the insider. Nonetheless, there are a number of components that go in to making the final choice.
"She is aware of what she is speaking about [and] is proficient and likable," the supply says. "But Simon's not in a rush to decide. The judges must mentor on 'The X Issue' -- it's more than simply turning up for a few hours a week to look on TV."
The judges will have to "work with contestants on music, dancers, styling," the supply continues. "It's a lot of work."
"The X Issue," which is already a success in Cowell's native U.K., will debut in the U.S. on FOX within the fall, so producers have time to make a cautious choice.
"They have to get the choice proper, which takes time," the source says. "Those final choices may not happen for a few weeks."
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