Louis Walsh wants Katy Perry as new judge on X Factor

Image source, (C) British Broadcasting Corporation

Image caption, Louis Walsh was at Eurovision supporting Irish entry Jedward
  • Author, Chi Chi Izundu
  • Role, Newsbeat entertainment reporter in Germany

X Factor judge Louis Walsh says he would like Sharon Osbourne and Katy Perry to be the show's new judges.

But he admitted he has "no idea" who the new judging panel will be.

Dannii Minogue confirmed yesterday on Twitter (14 May) that she wouldn't be taking part in this year's show because it clashes with her commitments as a judge on Australia's Got Talent.

Louis Walsh was supporting former X Factor contestants, Jedward, while the twins took part in Eurovision.

"They're looking for two girls," Louis Walsh told Newsbeat. "I really don't know who they are and that's absolutely 100% honest.

"I'd like Katy Perry and I would like Sharon Osbourne. They would be my two favourites. People who are feisty."

Louis Walsh also admitted that he would miss Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, former judges who have now left the UK format to work on the US X Factor.

"I will miss both for different reasons," he admitted. "They're annoying both of them and I'm glad that they're gone, but I will miss them. You do become friends with people."

The music manager said he would love to see Gary Barlow judging contestants.

"I would love him," he said. "He's my favourite pop star in the UK.

But Louis Walsh said he would have liked to have seen Dannii Minogue back.

"Dannii and Kylie. Let's start that rumour now."

At the Eurovision song contest, Jedward finished in eighth place.

The UK's entry Blue ended the competition in 11th while Azerbaijan won with 221 points.