George Michael News

According to the Daily Star, Simon Cowell has approached George Michael to be a judge on the U.S. version of X Factor, which premieres next September.

A source close to the music mogul said George would be ideal as he has a high profile in both the States and Britain.

He added: “Simon has always been a huge fan of George’s.

“His knowledge of the music industry is immense and he would be the perfect mentor for any up-and-coming artist.”

George could join UK judge Cheryl Cole, 27, on the show.

Speaking this week, Simon said: “I won’t be announcing the US X Factor line-up until January.

“No contracts have been signed yet. We are still in the discussion stages.”

Here are a few of the recent articles on George Michael’s statement:

• Where’s George Michael? Singer goes AWOL on first night after prison release
• I’m so glad to go, go free 
• Freed George: ‘I Just Want To Start Again’

From the BBC:

Pop star George Michael has said he “just wants to start again” following his release from prison in Suffolk after serving a sentence for drug driving.

The 47-year-old said it was “fantastic” to be free on “a beautiful day”.

“I just want to say thank you for everybody who has supported me in there,” the singer told reporters outside his north London home.

Michael served half of an eight-week sentence in jail for crashing his car while under the influence of cannabis.

He was arrested in July after being found slumped at the wheel of his Land Rover in Hampstead, north London.