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Former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland is reportedly holding out for more money as she negotiates her X Factor return.
After hearing that Take That singer Gary Barlow will be paid close to £2m for the new series, Rowland wants her £500,000 salary tripled, according to British tabloid The Sun.
“Kelly wants the gig but she’s a big star and should be paid accordingly,” a source said. “She was a popular judge last year – the producers and Simon have said as much.
“Simon has even said he wants her back on several occasions. If they want to make her a serious offer then they will have to do just that – make her a serious offer.”
However, producers are said to be considering withdrawing their offer and axing Rowland from the panel before the filmed auditions start on May 15 in Cardiff.
A Syco source added: “Yes, we would love to see Kelly back as she was good and people liked her. But we are never held to ransom over these things. We never negotiate a deal based on what another member of the show is getting as that would be ludicrous.
“There is not a truckload of money sitting here to just hand out to people. Whatever we pay is a good salary and something they would struggle to get on any other TV show.”
Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos will all return to judge The X Factor this year.
