Jessica Simpson “American Idol” Judge

Jessica Simpson’s reality TV days haven’t faded to black just yet. Word on The Snitch Circuit has it that the one-time Newlyweds star is being courted to take a seat on the judging panel of American Idol.

Simpson is currently in negotiations to become the next judge on the reality music competition, a show snoop reveals in the Aug. 9 issue of Life & Style. But don’t expect the Price of Beauty star to fill the coveted spot vacated by acid-tongued pundit Siimon Cowell last spring. Tattles say Simpson’s addition will be part of a “massive overhaul” headed to the tenth season of the long-running talent show. FOX and Idol are still on the hunt for a musically-inclined character to replace Cowell at “The Table” — which now features only judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Cowell quit the show to focus on his new American series The X Factor, which premieres in Sept. 2011.

“She’s met with producer-creator Simon Fuller several times. They like her – she’s a good fit – and she likes it. Now it’s just a question of how to fit her in….There may be more judges, more opinions,” whispers one spy. “She’d be crazy to turn it down. She’ll just say things without thinking, and that’s what they want – that’s great TV!”

And where there’s Jessica, Papa Joe Simpson is surely just a few steps behind. Word is Jessica’s manager dad has a strong relationship with Idol producers, which could go a long way in landing Jess the job.

“He’s been heavily involved with Idol. His client Travis Garland performed on the May 19 show. Joe was there to support him, and Jess wrote one of his songs,” another insider added.

Other celebs on a shortlist to sit at the judges table on the upcoming season of American Idol are Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Chris Isaak, and Harry Connick, Jr.

Any thoughts on this? Is Jessica Simpson qualified to judge American Idol?