Is Mariah Carey Joining X Factor?

What you might not know about The X Factor is that unlike American Idol, this upcoming Fox series shows "everything" behind the scenes. At least that's the word from überproducer/resident cranky pants Simon Cowell, who tackled Q's from reporters today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, along with Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and the rest of the show's cast and crew.

We got our first glimpse of some of that candor as Simon addressed rumors Mariah Carey might be a part of X Factor, what really happened with ousted judge Cheryl Cole and more. So is Mariah coming on?

Sure sounds like it. According to Simon, he wanted Mariah to be a judge, but now she'll appear in a different way. "There's certain sections on the show where we do have well known people helping us on the show," Simon explains. "I talked to her the other day, and she's been enthusiastic since day one. But then she selfishly got pregnant which is why she didn't end up as a judge."

The X Factor begins Sept. 21 with auditions.

Source: E! Online