Usher would take US X Factor role

Usher would consider joining the US 'X Factor'.

The singer is close friends with show supremo Simon Cowell and would be prepared to accept a judging or mentoring role on the new series when it launches later this year.

He told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Simon and I have talked about doing things together and I always try to be supportive of people who are friends of mine."

Simon - who is set to announce the highly anticipated final judging line-up for the show within the next month - has previously said he is looking for an American superstar to join the panel and conceded Usher fits the bill.

He said: "I like Usher, I like the fact he worked with Justin Bieber, great mentor. But it's about the level of commitment someone is willing to give to the show and if they're willing to help another artist."