The X Factor

An interesting explanation of Britney Spears walking off The X Factor set Thursday has emerged in a new report on TMZ: She did because she can.

The show wanted Spears so badly, they literally gave away the candy store ... well not literally, although she could probably buy a candy store.

With a deal paying her $15 million for one season, Britney is raking it in, and that's not even all. Her contract basically gives her carte blanche.

Spears has the right to do things during production that are not "normal," insiders say, and that includes taking breaks whenever she feels like it.

As one source put it, "Simon is a shrewd businessman who knew Britney could make his show and he was willing to give her just about anything."

Guess so. And hey, look at us talking about The X Factor in May!

Yesterday, Britney walked off the set during the very first taping, leaving behind an empty judge's chair while four contestants did their thing.

Sources connected with the production say Britney was "overwhelmed" and left. She sort of denied this on Twitter, but would anyone be surprised?

People who were at the taping claim she was upset by the audience reacting negatively to some of her comments, then abruptly peaced out.

Howard Stern's right. This could be a train wreck. But highly-rated!

[Photo: WENN.com]

Britney Spears saluted the crowd as she made her way onto the stage at the first round of The X Factor auditions on Thursday (May 24) in Austin, Texas.

Did the first drama of the season take place mere minutes later?

Reports that she walked off the set after someone butchered one of her songs surfaced on TMZ yesterday, but Brit took to her Twitter to downplay them.

Britney Spears Arrives at X Factor Auditions

"#Britneywalksoff??? LOL was just taking a break people. I am having the BEST time!!!" she wrote, Twitter hashtag and all, in response to the rumor.

Sounds like a lot of hot air. Earlier in the day, Britney and Demi Lovato Tweeted their excitement at the start of the new season, so it's likely all good.

But don't expect this to be the last Britney drama, rumored or otherwise. The singer's first foray into the reality TV format is sure to be memorable.

The first promo for The X Factor season 2 asks viewers if they're ready for a pair of very famous new judges.

But what about those judges themselves? Demi Lovato and Britney Spears sure sounded ready today when they touched down in Austin, Texas for their very first round of auditions.

"So excited to be going to Austin this week for @TheXFactorUSA auditions!" Spears, who was accompanied to Austin with Jason Trawick, Tweeted. "Will I see any of y'all there on Thurs or Fri?"

Added Lovato via the same social network:

"It's my first day... woo hoo!! Who's coming??!!! #XFACTORUSA."

Approximately 200 hopefuls will face Demi, Britney, Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid during four three-hour show tapings over the next couple days. And from there, it's off to another city... and then another... and then another.

Which of the new panelists has you most excited?

UPDATE: A source tells TMZ that Spears walked off the set a few contestants in after a singer butchered her song, "Hold It Against Me." It's unclear if she was upset or just needed a break, but a few subsequent crooners auditioned in front of one empty chair.

Fox has one question for viewers: Are you ready?

During last night's American Idol finale, the network aired its first promo for season two of The X Factor. It included, of course, shots of the show's two new judges: Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. It also featured a cackling Simon Cowell asking folks, what the heck was I thinking?

We have no idea, as neither Britney nor Demi seem like ideal choices for a live competition that involves banter, quick wit and the ability to actually critique others. But, hey, we'll be happy to be proven wrong.

Watch the trailer now:

X Factor Season 2 Promo

They won't be competing against each other, but it's nevertheless on between Duets and The X Factor.

On the ABC Upfront party red carpet this week, John Legend - one of the four singers who will be teaming up with amateurs across the country on the new singing competition - was asked about the new X Factor judges, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato, and replied:

"You know it's interesting. It should be very interesting. I don't have much to say," Legend told E! News. "It's interesting when people, you know, are judging singing competitions when they aren't really singers."

Ouch! Interesting is one diplomatic word for it, yes.

Robin Thicke, who will also appear on Duets, gave the young ladies some credit at least: "Oh come on, everything Britney does, she excels at. Demi is a lovely young lady, and I'm sure they'll do nothing but make the show a lot more fun to watch."

Which of these X Factor judges has you most excited?

Demi Lovato and Britney Spears met the press yesterday.

Officially announced as season two judges on The X Factor, the singers posed for photos and greeted journalists and advertisers at the FOX Upfront in New York City - and Lovato even kept her hair dyed for the occasion.

Click on the photos below for a closer look:

“I am totally stoked to be here,” Lovato told attendees at the event. “I’m excited to represent my generation and I’m ready to find the winner.”

But is she ready to criticize? Since leaving rehab, Lovato has been adamant in telling fans that it's okay to be yourself, that confidence is the key to happiness. A great message, no doubt. But does it really jibe with being a reality show judge?

Weigh in now: Which new panelist has you most excited?

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will join L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell as judges on The X Factor, Fox confirmed at its upfront presentation this afternoon.

Spears, one of the most successful and celebrated artists in pop music history, gives the show A-list star power as it gears up for its sophomore season.

Lovato is no slouch herself, having become an accomplished singer and actress with a devoted and engaged young fan base. Not bad for the age of 19.

“I'm absolutely delighted that Britney and Demi are joining us,” said Cowell, who removed Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger at the end of last season.

“Britney Spears remains one of the biggest stars in the world, she's talented, fascinating – and I believe she knows exactly how to spot The X Factor."

"Demi's had an amazing career in music, TV and film for someone her age. She's young, confident, and enthusiastic," he added of his other panelist.

"It's important that she speaks to our younger audience. The new panel will be dynamic and will work really well with the changes to the show.”

Britney Spears will in fact be a judge on The X Factor this fall, sources have confirmed. The partnership was all but certain weeks ago, but now it's official.

After months of eight-figure negotiations, the star has finally signed her contract to join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid as a judge on the Fox series.

Spears will get $15 million for one season of work.

She had agreed in principle to the deal weeks ago and had spent the last few days working out the fine print, which has finally been ironed out.

"The contract is signed," reveals a source close to her. "There's been a lot of back and forth over the past few weeks, but she's on. It's all completed."

"She's ready for this," the insider continues. "She can't wait to sit down next to Simon at the judges' table and give this everything she's got."

Britney "is beyond excited about showing the world that she can do this, and do this well. This is the perfect next stage in her career."

Cowell blew up the cast at the end of its inaugural season, keeping Reid but firing judges Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones.

With Britney on board, Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato have both been rumored for the final spot on the panel, with Lovato the favorite.

Will Britney make a good X Factor judge?

What about Demi?

The i's may not be dotted, nor the t's crossed, but a new report claims Demi Lovato is pretty much confirmed as a judge on season two of The X Factor.

With names being tossed about haphazardly over the past few months, sources claimed this week that the fourth panel spot - alongside Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and $15 million-per-year newbie Britney Spears - had come down to Lovato and Miley Cyrus.

And, if the following E! News item is to be believed, Demi has beat out her fellow young star:

Demi Lovato X Factor Report

No contract has been signed still, apparently, but that doesn't mean we can't express our take on the possibility: it will be great for ratings, bad for credibility.

The judges are meant to guide the contestants, after all, right? Offer them advice based on their years in the industry? Seems difficult for a 19-year old to do.

What is your opinion? Would Lovato make a strong X Factor judge?

The X Factor carousel has stopped on Gwen Stefani.

One day after rumors surfaced that either Miley Cyrus or Demi Lovato would join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Britney Spears on the season two panel, an insider tells The New York Post that this female singer is under consideration for a different role.

Host.

The singer would take over for Steve Jones, who was let go after a disappointing opening season.

A Fox insider says Stefani has been contacted, is interested and would seek compensation between $5-7 million.

“[Cowell] is feeling the pressure and knows only a big-time, well-respected name will do if he wants anyone to flip the channel from The Voice," the source claims, adding that the NBC hit may face off against The X Factor this fall.

Do you think Gwen would make a fun host?