Nicole Scherzinger "number one target" for Andrew Lloyd Webber show
The musical composer, who has previously found leads for his West End shows Oliver!, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat through reality TV talent competitions, is now searching for someone to play the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar.
He reportedly wants X Factor USA judge Scherzinger to help him with the casting by joining the show's panel.
Rex Features / Ken McKay/Rex Features
A source told The Sun: "Andrew is obsessed with Nicole - he thinks the world of her. As soon as he got the nod his new show was going to happen, Nicole was his number one target. He's got a great working relationship with her and Nicole hugely respects his work."
Although Lord Lloyd ! Webber e nded his association with the BBC after his other competitions, he is continuing the show's format on ITV.
Steve Balsamo, who starred in the 1990s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, has already been confirmed as one of the judges on Superstar.
Last month, Lord Lloyd Webber asked Scherzinger to perform a song from Phantom of the Opera on the Royal Variety Show and is also believed to have cast her as Mary Magdalene in a movie version of Jesus Christ Superstar.
> Nicole Scherzinger 'wants Lloyd Webber work'
> Nicole Scherzinger hints at 'X Factor' exit: 'Next year about my music'
Watch a clip from the original Jesus Christ Superstar below: