Simon Cowell is desperate for Britney Spears to perform on the forthcoming season of American Idol - even though the pop superstar was heavily criticised for her recent appearance on U.K. TV talent show The X Factor.

The music mogul was delighted when he persuaded the singer to perform her comeback track Womanizer on his hit British show in November - her first U.K. TV performance in more than four years.

But Spears' set came under fire from critics because she opted to mime so she could concentrate on her complicated dance routine.

However, Cowell wasn't put off by the performance - insisting the star tops his list of acts he'd love to see on the upcoming eighth season of American Idol.

He tells MTV, "She would, literally, be first on the list as far as I'm concerned in any capacity. I would love to see her mentor the contestants, but if she doesn't want to do that, and she wants to come on the show and perform, I would welcome her anytime.

"The buzz we had on our show (The X Factor) when she came on was extraordinary. And even with all the 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."