Andrew Lloyd-Webber eyes Nicole Scherzinger for Superstar

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has reportedly approached US 'X Factor' panellist Nicole Scherzinger to be a judge on his new ITV1 talent search show 'Superstar'.

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has approached Nicole Scherzinger to be a judge on 'Superstar'.

The musicals supremo - who will scour the UK for a new actor to play the role of Jesus in an upcoming arena tour of rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar' - is reportedly "obsessed" with the US 'X Factor' judge, and is keen for her to join the panel of his new ITV1 show.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Andrew is obsessed with Nicole - he thinks the world of her. As soon as he got the nod his new show was going to happen, Nicole was his number one target.

"He's got a great working relationship with her and Nicole hugely respects his work."

While actor Steve Balsamo - who starred in the West End production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' throughout the nineties - has already been confirmed as a judge, Lord Lloyd Webber has also met with Nicole in London "several" times to discuss the possibility of her joining the panel.

The 63-year-old music legend has cast the 'Don't Hold Your Breath' hitmaker as Mary Magdalene in the film version of the musical, and he also asked her to sing a theme from 'Phantom of the Opera' at last month's Royal Variety Show.

However, whether Nicole joins the panel of 'Superstar' or not, it will ultimately be the British public who decides upon the winner.

Lord Lloyd Webber said: "It is the public who lead the casting process and they've got it absolutely right four times already.

"It's been wonderful to see the careers of so many of the contestants blossom, so it will be especially fascinating to see who the public chooses as their 'Superstar'."