Kanye West lined up for American Idol

Los Angeles - Kanye West is in talks to become an American Idol judge.

The rapper is said to be negotiating with producers to join the judging panel of the singing talent show, according to gossip website TMZ.com.

However, Kanye - who is dating reality TV star Kim Kardashian - is unsure if he wants to do it as he's not sure if it's right for his career.

A source added: "He's on the fence."

If he does sign up, Kanye can expect to be paid the same salary as new judge Mariah Carey, who is earning $18m for the series.

Nicki Minaj is also be lined up to join Mariah on the panel and is said to be close to signing a deal.

Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Nick Jonas and Enrique Iglesias are also in the running to be a judge but it's thought if Kanye signs up, producers will have four of them sitting on the panel.

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler quit the show earlier this year while it's thought original judge Randy Jackson will become a mentor to the contestants.