While speculation as to who will be sitting at the judges’ desk next season on American Idol continues to heat up, former judge Simon Cowell has his own line-up to worry about.

The cranky Cowell is preparing to launch an American version of The X Factor, his talent competition that is already a massive hit all over the world in various international versions. His first order of business is putting together a panel of judges to select and grade contestants.

Now England’s Daily Mirror reports that California Gurls singer Katy Perry is a top contender for the spot after wowing Cowell with her stint as a guest judge on the U.K. version. The guest judge spot was apparently an audition for Katy on the American show.

“Simon wants to get the judging names signed, sealed and announced within six weeks,” a show insider tells The Mirror. “He wants at least one massive American star, someone who is known globally, plus one Brit and at least one authoritative male.”

An offer has reportedly already been made . “Katy was thrilled,” says the insider, “especially by the package which is said to be a $340,000-a-show deal.”

Apparently, Perry wasn’t the only American star to be considered. The source said, “Jennifer Lopez was a serious consideration as was her husband Marc Anthony. Mariah Carey’s other half, Nick Cannon, is also in the frame. But Katy really came on Simon’s radar after the Dublin auditions. She absolutely nailed it. She was a natural.”

(Photo by PR Photos)