Walsh, who has been a permanent fixture on the show's
judging panel since it began in 2004, let slip to Irish Herald that Perry is
one of the favourites to take over from Rowland in this year's show.
NME reported he also revealed the identities of a further
four candidates for the role. They are former Pussycat Doll and current X
Factor USA presenter, Nicole Scherzinger, Spice Girls' Mel B, Anastasia and
Sharon Osbourne, who was a judge on the first four series.
Louis Walsh told the paper: “These are the five people that
they’re looking in terms of a replacement for Kelly. I’ve worked with Nicole
and Katy before and I would love to work with them again, they were fantastic.
Mel B has done the X Factor Australia
and could easily do it in Britain
as she knows the format so well.”
He added: "Anastasia has sold millions of records and
is a big star and I would give anything to work with Sharon
again."
Take That's Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh
have already confirmed that they'll be returning for the ninth series of the
reality show that launched the careers of Leona Lewis and One Direction.
Meanwhile, The Sun are reporting that Dannii Minogue is
being considered to return to the show, after she dropped out of the programme
last year.
Whoever they finally decide on will need to be announced soon,
NME said, as auditions begin on May 15 in Cardiff.
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