Cole Turns Down Idol Job

3 months ago 24th Jul 06:30

British singer Cheryl Cole has reportedly turned down a $6 million (£4 million) offer to replace Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol.

The Girls Aloud star became a TV favourite in her native Britain after taking over from rock matriarch Sharon Osbourne on U.K. talent contest The X Factor last year (08).

She wouldn't leave Ashley behind

Reports suggest music mogul Simon Cowell has now offered the 26 year old a stint alongside him on the U.S. version of the show.

But Cole, who is currently in Los Angeles, has decided against the movebecause she wants to stay in Britain with her soccer star husband, Ashley Cole.

A friend of the singer tells Britain's Daily Express, "Cheryl hasn't had any TV meetings since she's been over there. It would mean she would have to leave Britain. She wouldn't leave Ashley behind. She's there to work on her new album. She only wants to focus on her music".

Abdul's future on American Idol was thrown into doubt last week (19Jul09) when her manager, David Sonenberg, told the Los Angeles Times it's unlikely she will return for the show's 2010 run.