“American Idol” judge Randy Jackson thinks Mariah Carey would make a great addition to pal Simon Cowell’s “X Factor.”

Speculation has swirled that Cowell wants Carey to join the show since word surfaced Monday night that he’d cut judges Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones.

“She’d be amazing,” Jackson told reporters Thursday.

“I manage her, so of course I’m going to say that. She’d be amazing.”

He said he didn’t know if it would actually happen, and that he thinks there are a few people being considered.

“Simon is one of the smartest people I know,” said Jackson. “I’m sure he’s got some interesting ideas up his sleeve.”

Jackson said he hadn’t spoken to Abdul since Monday.

“Sad to hear about all that’s going on with that show,” Jackson said. “But all of those people are dear friends of mine.”

Jackson says it's important to find the right chemistry.

When “American Idol” launched, it was Jackson, Cowell, Abdul and host Ryan Seacrest, and that team brought all of them to prominance.

“We had a chemistry that we lucked out with,” he said.

He added that before Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez started working on the show, they all got together for dinner and found they clicked, too.

Meanwhile, Jackson attributed “Idol’s” early season ratings dip to the show being in its 11th season, and because there are more singing shows on.

“It’s still the No. 1 show in television,” Jackson said, “but not by the huge margins as before. The space of singing shows is definitely a little more crowded now.”

He said he’s not worried about the launch of NBC’s “The Voice” on Mondays, though expects an episode airing after Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Looking down the road, Jackson said “Idol” could go on for “quite a number of years,” and he “hope and wish and prays” that Seacrest remains with the show.

“I can’t imagine doing the show without him,” he said. “He’s the best at what he does.”