Janet Jackson hints at X Factor job

Los Angeles - Janet Jackson has hinted she could be a judge on the next series of the US X Factor.

The Rhythm Nation singer was left tongue-tied during an appearance on chat show Anderson Cooper 360, when the grey haired host asked her if she was going to be joining Simon Cowell on the all-new panel.

Seemingly revealing she'd been in discussions with the show boss, Janet, 45, stumbled over words before saying, "oh my God" and laughing.

She eventually answered: "No, I'm not a judge on The X Factor."

Two judging roles

Anderson, 44, continued to press her on the possibility of her joining the pop star search show, saying: "So, you're not currently a judge on The X Factor?"

Janet - the sister of late pop legend Michael Jackson - answered: "No, I am not, but that's all I really think I should say."

There are two judging roles available on the Fox series after Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger were relieved of their duties at the end of the debut season.

British host Steve Jones was also axed after failing to connect with the American audience. 

In the wake of the triple firing, Simon revealed he wanted to keep Paula - who he also worked with on American Idol - but the decision was out of his hands.

The 52-year-old music mogul said: "She (Paula) was fine. I called her that night. She was very gracious and I said that to her. She understands it's business. It's never personal. I would have liked to have kept her."