Love duped by Idol imposter

American Idol boss Nigel Lythgoe has slammed reports he approached Courtney Love about joining the hit show, insisting she must have been the victim of a prank caller.

The former Hole rocker said on Tuesday she had been contacted by Lythgoe about becoming a judge on the reality talent competition, possibly as a replacement for Paula Abdul.

She told American publication Us Weekly: "He called. He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird, but brilliant."

Lythgoe denies the conversation took place telling the magazine; "I did not call Courtney Love and am afraid someone may have misrepresented me.

"Courtney Love is a very talented artist, but the judges for American Idol are Paula, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell. We have no plans to add to or replace any of them."

A source close to Love added: "It was probably a prank."