London: Beyonce Knowles has demanded 50 million dollars to take up the position of a judge on ‘X Factor’, offered to her by show supremo Simon Cowell.
Cowell, 52, wanted the R and B queen to mark her return to showbiz following the birth of her baby girl, with his show. But the ‘Crazy in Love’ hitmaker has reportedly told him that she would do it only if he agreed to the price.
Knowles’ wage demands - which could make her the highest-paid TV star in Britain - are a major stumbling block, as the 32-million-pound figure is roughly equivalent to ITV’s entire production budget for a complete series.
It comes as the TV magnate is preparing to revamp the show’s judging panel after last year’s series was marred by a series of bitter on-air rows.
Kelly Rowland - who clashed with Tulisa over hopeful Mischa B - is believed to have been given the boot.
Tulisa, ‘Take That’ star Gary Barlow and ‘X Factor’ veteran Louis Walsh are waiting to hear whether they will survive the shake-up.
Cowell’s bold approach to the former Destiny’s Child singer follows rumours that she had bought a home in Surrey with rapper hubby Jay-Z.
The New York-based superstar is currently focused on being a mum after the birth last month of Blue - the couple’s first child.
“Even Simon was shocked by the scale of Beyonce’s demands. However, she would be an incredible signing,” the Mirror quoted a source close to ITV as saying.
She has also been tipped as a possible recruit to the US version of the show - where Cowell is looking for two new judges after firing Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul.
ANI