Simon Cowell is keen to recruit Britney Spears for American Idol despite a flop performance on the X Factor. 

The singer was criticised for miming her way through Womanizer on the UK show and for not taking time out to mentor the finalists like previous high-profile guests Take That and Mariah Carey.

But the top judge has brushed off negative comments about her lacklustre efforts by insisting that she generated more excitement than any other guest act.

And now Simon wants to enlist Britney's help on the US equivalent American Idol.

Simon said, "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.

He added, "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."

 See Britney performing on her birthday below