LOS ANGELES — Simon Cowell is playing it coy about rumours that Fergie, Britney Spears and Janet Jackson are being considered for "The X Factor."

Two judges' spots on the TV singing contest opened up when Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger left after the first season. Cowell told a teleconference Wednesday that two women will replace them, but he declined to comment on who's being considered.

Cowell says "The X Factor" has been contacted by people interested in joining the series, and meetings will be held during the next few weeks.

With host Steve Jones' exit, Cowell says he wants to switch to a two-host format. He didn't say who might be hired.

"The X Factor" is based on Cowell's hit British show. It returns for its second season this fall on CTV.