Cowell: Gallagher a possible 'Idol' judge

LONDON, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- British TV personality Simon Cowell said Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher could potentially serve as his replacement on "American Idol."

Cowell, who plans on leaving "Idol" to start a U.S. version of the British TV series "The X Factor," said Gallagher, 42, would be a better fit as an "Idol" judge than someone like pop star Madonna, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

"I know Noel quite well. I like him. He is very funny and a brilliant songwriter -- it's a possibility," Cowell said when asked about Gallagher's qualifications to join "Idol."

Cowell, 50, said the demands of working on the popular U.S. TV series are likely too much for a pop star like Madonna.

''You have got to give a massive, massive time commitment," Cowell said.

''You have got to find people who are prepared to give that much time.''

The Telegraph said Gallagher is parting ways with his band Oasis and is scheduled to play a pair of solo performances in London in late March.