Victoria Beckham has been tipped to replace departing judge Paula Abdul on American Idol, The Daily Mirror reported on Thursday.

The former Spice Girl, 35, will begin filming guest spots on two episodes of Idol later this week at the insistence of music mogul Simon Cowell.

But Posh has refused to join the panel permanently – opting instead to concentrate fully on her fashion career.

“At the moment, Victoria’s main priority is fashion. She doesn’t really need any distractions. She’ll also be back at New York fashion week in September to launch her 2010 collection,” a source told The Daily Mirror Thursday.
On Tuesday — just two days before she was scheduled to return to work — Abdul announced she was leaving the show after eight seasons. She had been locked in fierce negotiations with TV executives to renew her contract for the 2010 season but announced to her fans in a series of emotional postings on her Twitter.com page that she wouldn’t be returning to the TV talent show.

She wrote: “With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to Idol. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon.”

In a later tweet, Abdul adding: “What I want to say most is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. I do, without any doubt, have the best fans in the entire world and I love you all.”

A source says: “Victoria is hugely flattered as this is one of the highest profile gigs in America.”

“It really is a big deal… Victoria’s profile Stateside has never been higher. Network bosses would love to give her the job full-time and it looks like it’s there for her if she wants it…..Victoria’s appearance on American Idol is sure to provide a massive ratings boost in the UK so, really, everyone’s a winner.”