Jessica Simpson has emerged as the new favorite to take over from Simon Cowell as a judge on hit TV talent show American Idol after Justin Timberlake and Elton John both rejected the role.
 
Speculation has mounted over who will fill the vacant judging seat following Cowell's exit from the program earlier this year, with recent reports listing the "SexyBack" hitmaker and the "Rocket Man" as possible replacements alongside Harry Connick, Jr. and Chris Isaak.
 
Reps for both Timberlake and John moved quickly to shoot down the claims and now singer Simpson has become the latest celebrity touted for the job.
 
A source tells TMZ.com the blonde beauty has had "several meetings" with American Idol bosses and that there's "mutual interest" from both parties to bring Simpson on board.
 
An official announcement is not expected to be made until September.

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