Mariah’s ex-hubby Tommy to join ‘X Factor’

London: Pop diva Mariah Carey had made public her wish to be on the judging panel of the US `X-Factor`, but Simon Cowell is reportedly lining up her ex-husband, record executive Tommy Mottola, for the role.

The two music titans wined and dined together and sources in the TV channel, Fox, have confirmed that Mottola is indeed in talks to be a judge on the talent show for singers, reported Daily Mail online. "Simon and Tommy have known each other for years since their days at Sony and Simon has wanted to get Tommy on board one of his shows for a long time," said the source. "They get on extremely well and this could be the moment where they finally get on screen together. Tommy`s from the Bronx in New York, he`s tough talking, doesn`t pull any punches and will make great TV," added the source. However, if Mottola, the former boss of Sony Music, takes the role, it is sure to scupper an appearance by Carey. The `Hero` hitmaker, who is expecting twins with her husband Nick Cannon, had made clear her interest in joining Cowell, 51, on the judging panel of the new talent TV show. Mottola, 61, is one of the most high-profile record executives in the industry and throughout his 15-year tenure at Sony was responsible for launching Carey`s career as well as discovering Jennifer Lopez. PTI