Madonna In 'X Factor' Talks

4 months ago 07th Jul 13:00

Madonna is in talks to perform on 'X Factor'.

The '4 Minutes' singer is at the top of the list of performers show creator Simon Cowell is lining up to appear on the final of the 2009 run of the singing contest.

Cowell had been hoping to persuade pop king Michael Jackson to perform on the show, but has turned his attentions to Madonna since the star died last month.

This year is going to be bigger than ever - we are planning to get the best names in music. Madonna and Robbie would be sensational.

'Paparazzi' singer Lady Gaga and 'Rehab' star Rihanna are also said to be in negotiations to perform.

Cowell is also trying to talk Robbie Williams into making a comeback on the programme - due to start in August.

Beyonce Knowles - who performed with winner Alexandra Burke in last year's final - is also rumoured to appear on the series.

She will be performing at London's O2 arena in November and is reportedly keen to perform again.

An insider told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "The last series proved anything is possible when Beyonce performed with Alex. The final got 15million viewers and that is enough to entice the biggest stars onto our stage.

"This year is going to be bigger than ever - we are planning to get the best names in music. Madonna and Robbie would be sensational."

The show's budget has increased by £6 million this year. The money was reportedly requested to help pay for more big-name stars.