Justin Timberlake Latest Star To Be Considered For Simon's Replacement On Idol

Justin Timberlake's name has been added to a long list of possible seat-fillers to take over the spot left vacant by Simon Cowell for the next season of American Idol.

Producers have been pursuing JT as well as musicians Elton John, Harry Connick, Jr., and Chris Isaak to add some musical expertise to the panel which currently consists of Randy Jackson, Ellen Degeneres and Kara DioGuardi.

Although there's been much said about finding a replacement for Simon, the entire panel could be replaced with new judges, says THR.

Fox is trying to bring back former Idol and current So You Think You Can Dance executive producer Nigel Lythgoe to try to revive the show that's seen its ratings slip in recent years. Lythgoe has previously stated that he'd replace ALL the judges if it were up to him.

Course, Ellen's got a mult-year contract and Randy's got one more left on his, so that might not be realistic. But Lythgoe's at least already got a firm idea of who he'd like to see on the panel: Elton John, Usher and Paula Abdul.

Now THAT I'd tune in for!