Simon Cowell wants Tommy Mottola as judge on US 'X Factor'

Simon Cowell has expressed wishes that he would like to have singer Mariah Carey's ex-husband Tommy Mottola by his side when he launches The X Factor in America.

Cowell, 50, who quit his role as a judge on American Idol, has also hinted that he would like Paula Abdul, who had a judging role on American Idol, to be there too.

"On X Factor, you get to mentor the artists, so you have more of a role," the Daily Star quoted him as telling the New York Post.

"It's frustrating sometimes when you sit there and you haven't been able to change their songs, or how they perform, or what they wear...

"It's pointless hiring judges who don't know anything about the music business. I'll probably go and find someone who did what I did for a living. I was an A&R guy for 20 years.

"I thought Tommy Mottola would be a good choice. He was the guy who was the head of Sony - he guided Mariah - very flamboyant, knows what he's talking about," he added.