Simon Cowell has denied that he offered Beyonce $100 million to appear on X Factor USA, describing the rumours as "nonsense."

The show boss has been on the hunt for new members of the judging panel since sacking Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul. Several celebrities were named in the running for the job including Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.

However, Beyonce was said to have been offered $500 million for a five-year contract, i.e. $100 million per year, but Simon says they can't afford to offer someone that much.

"No, I have no idea where this rumor came from," Simon told Extra. "I read it online that I had offered her $100 million/year. It’s complete nonsense. The budget of the show is $100 million. No one’s gonna pay $100 million/year for someone."

He also shot down the rumours that Mariah Carey will be joining the show, saying: "No, she’s not on the list because I don’t think Mariah would make that commitment."

"She’s just had kids. You have to work five days a week on this show and you’ve got to do all the travelling as well. Just to put it out there, she will not be on the list."

"I adore her, I would love her, but you can’t expect someone who’s just had two kids, who’s got a record career, to make the kind of commitment we would need on this show," he added.

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