The ITV singing competition is said to have suffered flagging ratings over the last few series’, but the 55-year-old music mogul has a plan to change that.
Longterm presenter Dermot O’Leary, 41, has already quit the show, and is set to be replaced by Olly Murs, 30, and 35-year-old Caroline Flack. Now Simon is thought to be focusing on viewing quality rather than the judges.
A show source told the Daily Star: “Cheryl won’t be getting a pay rise, and Mel will have to take a pay cut to stay as a judge.
“Simon will use the spare money to pay stars like Madonna and Beyoncé £400k for a six-minute appearance during live shows. Simon realises that, no matter what judges he has brought on board, he hasn’t been able to stop the ratings slide.
“So now he’s changing tactics and banking on these unbelievable music legends to help return the show to it’s former glory.”
Simon has reportedly been in touch with former X Factor USA judge Britney Spears, 33, to plan a special weekend based on her hits when the show returns later this year.
While Spice Girl Mel, 39, will allegedly see her money drop, Cheryl, 31, will be given more creative control to make-up for her pay freeze.
The insider added: “The way things are shaping up, this is going to be the biggest year ever for the X Factor, with massive superstar power.”