Cowell plays down speculation of Mariah as next X Factor judge

London, Feb 9 (ANI): Simon Cowell has played down reports suggesting that Mariah Carey could become a judge on US 'X Factor', as she is too busy taking care of her nine-month-old twins Moroccan and Monroe.

The 51-year-old television personality admitted that he "adores" the singer but confirmed that she is not on the shortlist of possible panellists to replace Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul.

"You have to work five days a week and all the travelling, so she will not be on the list," the Daily Express quoted him as telling Extra.

"I adore her, love her, but you can't expect someone who has just had two kids, has a record career to make the kind of commitment we would need on this show," he said.

Cowell also ruled out the possibility of Beyonce Knowles joining the panel, who also recently gave birth to daughter Blue Ivy.

"The budget for the show is $100 million. That would never ever happen. It's absolute nonsense. No one is going to pay $100 million for someone. I genuinely haven't had a conversation with her about it. Not at all," he added. (ANI)