Idol Chatter & Voice Views

In a conference call with reporters Wednesday afternoon, Simon Cowell said he still likes the concept of a “musical Super Bowl.”

That’s how he refers to a televised showdown between the winners of American Idol, The Voice and his show, The X Factor.

And he said he was disappointed that Idol executive director Nigel Lythgoe and Voice judge Adam Levine reacted so negatively after he broached the idea on Twitter last week, during the middle of an Idol episode.

“Maybe we’ll just have to compete at the Grammys,” Simon quipped Wednesday.

“And on the music charts,” fellow judge L.A. Reid added.

Of course, Nigel and Adam don’t run FOX and NBC, respectively, and Simon said he hasn’t gotten reaction from the folks who do.

“We’re still up for it,” he said, referring to himself and L.A.

Among the other X Factor news from the conference call:

* Simon and L.A. refused to comment on rumors about the new judges — rumors that range from Janet Jackson to Britney Spears — but said the panel will include two females.

* There will also be two hosts for Season 2, one male and one female.  And likely Americans, judging from Simon’s response.

* Chris Rene already has a single out (didn’t know that and don’t care) and Marcus Canty will likely have one out in about two weeks, according to L.A.

* A Melanie Amaro single might be a little farther off.  L.A. said it’s more important to “get it right” than to get it out there quickly.

* Neither was surprised that Rachel Crow has signed with Nickelodeon and Columbia Records because both think she has a certain star quality.

* Simon pledges that the groups will be better in Season 2.  He said group talent was slow to come around when The X Factor debuted in the U.K., too.