Simpson's rep: 'No truth' to 'Idol' report

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Jessica Simpson's publicist denied a newspaper report the singer-actress is campaigning to take over for Paula Abdul as an "American Idol" judge.

Abdul recently announced she would not be returning to the popular U.S. singing competition series next season.

The New York Post reported Simpson's manager-father, Joe, is lobbying the show's producers to hire her as Abdul's replacement.

However, Simpson's representative told Usmagazine.com, "There is absolutely no truth to this."