Mel B thinks Rihanna has the X factor.

The former Spice Girl has joined the panel of The X Factor UK in order to judge whether wannabe singers have what it takes to be the next big star.

When it comes to musicians who have already made it big, the 39-year-old has her eye on feisty females.

"There are many different artists out there that have the X factor; your Rihannas, your Katy Perrys and Rita Oras," she listed to the British edition of OK! magazine.

"There's a bunch of strong, independent females that I love."

Mel, Geri Halliwell, Mel C, Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham found fame as the Spice Girls in the '90s.

While they had a huge career, the star isn't sure they would have survived the harsh judging of TV talent shows.

"Oh God, I don't know," she admitted, when asked if she thinks they would have made it through the audition. "I'd like to think they would get through, but I don't know."

The star added that she's not a fan of contestants who bring too much energy to an audition - especially when they ask the judges to get involved.

"My biggest audition turn-off is when the contestants go, 'Come on everybody, join in, clap your hands!' I'm like, 'Uh, no!'" she laughed.

The star, who is a mother to daughters Angel, Madison and Phoenix, has a lot on her plate at the moment. She's also acting as a judge on America's Got Talent.

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