Nick Jonas Joins 'X Factor,' But Not 'American Idol' (Yet)

The ongoing saga in the signing of new "American Idol" judges is far from over, and Nick Jonas might still be one of the remaining options for the judges' table. But while that deal is not yet cut, there is another that's already done, delivering Nick Jonas to a Fox vocal competition show.

You know, that other Fox vocal competition show.

Yes, Nick Jonas will be joining "The X Factor" in the coming season, signing on as a mentor for the "Judges' Homes" section of the competition. At that point, the contestants who made it through the audition rounds go to hang out at the extravagant homes of the four judges (Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and LA Reid) and face further cuts.

During these rounds, the judges bring on a guest mentor to help give critiques to the contestants. Last year saw Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias and Pharrell acting as mentors, with Mariah Carey scheduled to appear but held back due to weather concerns during travel days. Jonas will be serving as a guest mentor this year with Demi Lovato.

The question is this: does Jonas' involvement in "The X Factor" help or hurt his chances of being a judge on "Idol?" Carey is already signed on to judge, and Iglesias and Pharrell are supposedly being considered, so apparently being on "X Factor" is no detriment to your chances of an "Idol" gig.

However, there has been word that Nicki Minaj is in serious talks to judge "Idol," and that producers want the other two spots to be filled by a Latin artist (most likely Iglesias) and a country star. Is "X Factor" a consolation prize for a rejected Jonas, or a prelude to a bigger gig?

Source: THR