Britney Spears would make a great US X Factor judge as she "knows the music industry inside out", says show expert Sinitta.
The pop songstress has been tipped to join the judging panel in the wake of Simon Cowell's show mix up - which saw the shock departure of Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger.
Sinitta has worked with Simon on the UK version of the popular talent series for many years, and says Britney would be an excellent replacement.
"Whitney [Houston] would have made the most fantastic judge," she told British magazine Closer. "But now my money's on Britney. She's had tons of hits and certainly knows the music industry inside out."
Simon has been busy with the American show, but Sinitta insists he will be returning to the UK panel. She says his competitive streak will force him to work hard on continuing the ratings war with rival UK TV show Strictly Come Dancing.
"Simon plans to be back, along with last year's judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Louis Walsh," she said.
"But he won't be able to return full time because he's so busy. He likes winning, so he's set on beating Strictly in the ratings."