Posh On The "Idol" Panel?

(CBS)  By Neil Sean

Victoria Beckham seems to be getting used to filling the fourth judge's chair on "American Idol," left vacant by Paula Abdul's departure.

Fox publicist Alex Gillespie says the former Spice Girl is in Boston for callbacks. Beckham was a guest judge last Friday for opening auditions in Denver, and it was originally described as a one-time appearance.

A permanent spot on the judge's panel would be a clever move on many levels, given that her husband, David Beckham, and his L.A. Galaxy soccer team have seen their stars plummet in recent weeks. Having wife Victoria judge a wildly popular singing contest could bring them back into fans' favor.

Last week in Denver, Beckham told Fox News she was a huge fan of "American Idol" and nervous about being a judge. "My heart is about to jump out my throat," she said.

Beckham is the first to admit that her talent for singing is "limited, to say the least" and she has said she has no plans ever to sing again. "That was it with the Spice Girls," she said, "a nice finale to my career on that particular stage..."

Like Abdul, she is focusing on offering contestants encouragement. "I know what its like to be up there and face a tough level of criticism," she told the media.

Would Beckham like to follow the contestants to Hollywood after this round in Boston? "I do miss being in the showbiz element a little," she said, "but it's hard when you have three kids. Ask any mother."

She also said she was looking forward to any criticisms Simon Cowell may have for her. "I have a British sense of humor," she told Fox reporters. "I'm quite welcoming to it."

It seems Simon Cowell also is now keen to try her out as a guest judge on his U.K. talent fest "X Factor," perhaps sending U.K. talent queen Cheryl Cole, of Girls Aloud fame, to the U.S. in a transatlantic guest swap.

So far the only "Idol" contestant to show any traction in the U.K. is Kelly Clarkson. David Archuleta, runner-up from the 2008 season, said he was excited about performing in London earlier this year, but his album tanked in the charts.

Perhaps Posh Spice can throw some U.K. magic on the next "Idol" winner and change all that.

"American Idol" returns for its ninth season in January.
By Neil Sean