"X Factor" key in Simon Cowell's deal with Fox

Judge Simon Cowell attends the party for the 12 finalists of the television show ''American Idol'' at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles March 9, 2006.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "The X Factor," a music talent show on British television, may be coming to the U.S. via Fox and a deal with the show's creator, "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell.

Cowell, in the final year of his contract on "Idol," had been open about his desire to bring his mega-hit British format to the U.S., something he couldn't do under his existing "Idol" pact.

Now Fox and Cowell are said to be hammering out a deal to launch an American version of "X Factor" -- while locking in Cowell as an "Idol" judge for two more years, through the 2011-12 season.

The deal has not been finalized, and major points are being negotiated, but it is rumored that Cowell could earn about $50 million a season for "Idol" and that a successful "X Factor" might bring him an additional $50 million a cycle.

It has not been determined whether Cowell, who would executive produce "X Factor" for Fox, also would appear as a judge. Other rumored celebrity candidates for the judges' panel are former "Idol" co-star Paula Abdul and two judges on the British "X Factor," pop star Cheryl Cole and talent manager Louis Walsh.

All parties involved in the negotiations declined comment Wednesday.

(Editing by SheriLinden at Reuters)