JESSICA SIMPSON LINKED TO AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE ROLE

Jessica Simpson has emerged as the new favourite to take over from Simon Cowell as a judge on hit TV talent show American Idol after Justin Timberlake and Sir Elton John both rejected the role.

Speculation has mounted over who will fill the vacant judging seat following Simon Cowell's exit from the programme earlier this year (10), with recent reports listing the SexyBack hitmaker and the Rocket Man as possible replacements alongside Harry Connick, Jr. and Chris Isaak.

Reps for both Justin Timberlake and Sir Elton John moved quickly to shoot down the claims and now singer Jessica Simpson has become the latest celebrity touted for the job.

A source tells TMZ.com the blonde beauty has had "several meetings" with American Idol bosses and that there's "mutual interest" from both parties to bring Simpson on board.

An official announcement is not expected to be made until September (10).