Victoria Beckham’s debut as an American Idol judge proved less than successful when she was branded ‘too nice’ for the panel.

Posh Spice, 35, stepped in for one show  following the departure of long-time judge Paula Abdul, but some Idol staff called her performance ‘icy and wooden’.

And others said the former Spice Girl tried hard to be liked by the contestants, drawing comparison with Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, who frequently burst into tears while judging the British version of the programme, The XFactor.

She was on the charm offensive as she arrived at the auditions in Denver, stopping to shake hands with contestants as she made her way into the auditorium.

But rather than being won over by her smile, it’s more than likely most were left shocked by the state of the 35-year-old’s incredibly thin and sinewy arms and shoulders.

She was seen arriving back in Los Angeles in an all black outfit with her trademark pout back on over the weekend and was later seen paying a visit to her friend Jennifer Lopez.

She was also sporting a new tattoo on her wrist. The Hebrew message inscribed on her left wrist is believed to celebrate her 10-year marriage to husband David as it reads ‘together forever, eternally’.

Beckham is rumoured to have been paid £155,000 to join music mogul Simon Cowell, songwriter Kara DioGuardi and producer Randy Jackson for the recording of the US show in Denver on Friday.

Sources close to the Beckhams said it was the mother-of-three’s sons who persuaded her to take part as she continues to boost her profile Stateside.

Beckham said before her appearance: ‘I’m going to try hard to pout and not shatter the illusion that I’m a moody cow, but I don’t know if I can. I’m just so happy.’

Posh has always promised to be a ‘nice’ judge.

She said: ‘I know how it feels to be stood there and be judged and how it can feel when nerves get the better of you.’

Beckham, a close friend of Cowell, is one of several celebrities stepping in for Abdul, who quit the competition on Tuesday, reportedly in a pay dispute.

I Kissed A Girl singer Katy Perry is also reportedly lined up and Posh may even record a second show.