London, Feb 10 (IANS) Pop diva Madonna's manager Guy Oseary is said to be the frontrunner to replace music mogul Simon Cowell on the 'American Idol' judging panel.

Oseary is said to be the favourite to succeed Cowell when he leaves the show after the current series, reports imdb.com.

Despite being the frontrunner, Oseary still faces competition from singer-and-actor Jamie Foxx and former Sony music boss Tommy Mottola, the ex-husband of Mariah Carey for the judge's seat.

'Guy has been in the music business since Madonna discovered him when he was 17, and he has a lot of the same experience as Simon. His competition just can't live up to his level of experience and the people behind the show are slowly starting to realise it,' said an industry source.

Oseary who has made cameos in several films, including 'Charlie's Angels' and 'You Don't Mess With the Zohan', and authored four books including 'Jews Who Rock' is keen on the job because he wants to raise his public profile.

'He thinks it would be great for his image. And it's great exposure to boot,' said the source.