July 29, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): As New Orleans saw the auditions for the next season of ‘American Idol’ begin this week; there has been a general curiosity about the next judge who will take the place of Simon Cowell. The latest name doing the rounds is, ‘Jessica Simpson’.

A source close to the star revealed to TODAYshow.com that she has in fact, been in talks with the ‘American Idol’ authorities specifically Simon Fuller who is the producer and creator of the show. But there has been no confirmation from any of the parties as yet. The ‘Idol’ authorities find her to be good and the singer-actress on her part likes the format of the show too.

In the meantime, Life & Style magazine quoted yet another source who said that Jessica cannot be treated as a replacement for Cowell who will be leaving the ‘Idols’ in order to join X-factor’s US version. ‘American Idol’ is expected rope in a number of additional judges this time. It is all being seen as a part of effort by the show authorities to revamp it this time. There will be more judges with more opinions. Reports the source.

The representatives for the show did not comment on any of the potential judges who had been approached by them so far. The names of Justin Timberlake, Harry Connick Jr. and Chris Isaak are also being considered according to various other sources.

The only one who had been auditioned is Ryan Seacrest. One of the representatives is believed to have told the TODAYshow.com. The delay is not unexpected as the entire group of ‘Idol’ hopefuls will get to be picked first, then there will be a round with the producer. The judges get to come face to face with the prospective idols much later, only in late August. He hopes that a new judge will be finalized by then.