Simon Cowell wants Rihanna for X Factor

Los Angeles  -  Simon Cowell is trying to hire Rihanna for The X Factor judging panel.

The 54-year-old music mogul - who is set to return to the show with Cheryl Cole - is hoping to lure the Diamonds hitmaker to join them because she draws lots of media attention and Simon is desperate to make the show more popular than BBC One rival 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Simon and Cheryl have two months to find someone to sit in that chair and they want to get the right person.

"This year is an important one for The X Factor. Simon can't be complacent and has to come back with a real A-Team.

"Rihanna would be a shock selection because she is not an obvious choice for a family show - but that's what he wants."

Simon previously revealed he will include Cheryl, 30, in any discussions regarding who will join them on the panel and she will have final say on new appointments.

It's thought the pair are at odds over whether to rehire the show's longest serving judge, Louis Walsh, with Cheryl eager to axe him from the show.

Other names being discussed for The X Factor panel include LMFAO rapper Redfoo - who is a judge on the Australian version of the singing competition - and Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie.