london uk Simon Cowell x factor Image courtesy of Mr. Paparazzi

Simon Cowell showed off his pecs appeal as he headed into the studio to shoot another edition of Britain's X Factor.

As the US version is gearing up to debut on American television next fall, Cowell is getting closer to nailing down a panel that will rival Idol's revamped judge's table.

Mariah Carey, who will deliver her first child sometime this spring, is said to be inches away from sealing her deal. She'll join Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger and Cowell at the X Factor table.

So which judging table will be hotter? Carey/Cowell/Scherzinger or Tyler/Lopez/Jackson?