Simon Cowell  is a big fan of Britney Spears.

Despite the lukewarm reception the singer received in England during her appearance on The X Factor, Cowell said he’d welcome Britney as a an American Idol:

“I would love to see her mentor the contestants. If she doesn't want to do that, but wants to perform on the show – I would welcome that at any time. She would, literally, be first on the list, as far as I'm concerned in any capacity. She was a riot. I loved it.

The buzz we had on our show was extraordinary. And even with all that stuff that's gone on with her the past two years, there was more excitement and interest in her than I've seen in anyone in years. She would be very, very welcome.”

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.