David Bowie: ‘X Factor’ Judge? Simon Cowell’s Trying

"Why Bowie?" asks Simon Cowell upon announcing his pursuit of David Bowie -- yes, that David Bowie -- as a judge on the next season of the U.K. edition of the reality TV singing show 'The X Factor.' The question seems unnecessary -- why not is more appropriate -- but Cowell offers an answer anyway.

"He’s a legend," Cowell tells the Daily Mail. "He’s a great songwriter, has massive influence on music today and he’s 100 per cent credible. I’m a fan. Not just of his music but of him, the man. He’s cool. Most of us aren’t. Bowie is."

Bowie certainly is cool, though a stint on 'X Factor' could make him a little less so. Plus, he probably doesn't even have the time to do the show, seeing as he has a new album coming out next month. A tour in support of the disc seems unlikely (his guitarist puts the odds more like 50/50), but then again, the very existence of another Bowie album seemed highly unlikely until just a few months ago.

Even if he did have the time, Bowie probably wouldn't do it, no matter how much Cowell gushes. "I think if I could have anyone on 'The X Factor' it would be David Bowie," raves the producer. "It’s no secret I’ve asked him, and he hasn’t said yes yet, but I’ll keep extending the invitation."