Mariah Carey will have a part in The X Factor

Simon Cowell has confirmed reports Mariah Carey will be involved in the U.S. version of talent show X-Factor.

Simon Cowell had previously denied rumors the Hero hitmaker would join the show as a judge - because she'd be a new mom to twins when the show launched - but now the he reveals Mariah Carey will be a part of the show in some capacity.

He says, "I think Mariah will have a role on the TV live shows. I met her recently and she was on great form. And her idea was to be the judge of the judges, which only Mariah could come up with."

And Simon Cowell is thrilled to have Mariah Carey onboard: "I literally adore her. I love her to bits."

Producer L.A. Reid has already signed on to the show as a judge, while Jessica Simpson has revealed she was approached to join him. Cheryl Cole, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger are also among those rumored to be a part of the new TV talent search, which debuts later this year (11).