The music mogul co-created the show and currently works as a judge on the U.K. version, Britain's Got Talent, but it has now emerged he is reportedly set to join the line-up on its sister show to replace shock jock Stern, who has left after three years.

A source tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, "Simon... wants to make his way back into America. He feels this is his show and one of the biggest NBC has to offer. Now he's clear of his old deal (with a rival network for American Idol) he can join the panel. And he's more than used to the travelling."