nuisance golgotha: Britney Spears Joins 'X Factor' As A Judge

Friday, May 11, 2012

Britney Spears Joins 'X Factor' As A Judge

Pop star will earn a reported $15 million for one season.
By Katie Byrne

Britney Spears
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images

Move over, Christina! Now that "The Voice" has wrapped, it's time for another Mouseketeer-turned-diva to judge future music stars: Britney Spears has reportedly signed a deal to be a judge on "The X Factor," according to E! News.

News first broke in early March that the pop star was in negotiations to join the panel of Fox's reality singing competition, and last month, it was reported that Spears was being offered $15 million for one season of the show — $3 million more than Jennifer Lopez earns as a judge on "American Idol."

"The contract is signed," a source told E! "There's been a lot of back and forth over the past few weeks as they negotiated the small details, but she's on. It's all completed and Britney is beyond excited."

In an April interview with TMZ, Cowell remained mum about the Spears negotiation rumors but admitted that he would "love" to have her on "X Factor."

"I think it would be a coup," he said. "I think she would be a fascinating person to sit next to, so we'll have to wait and see."

Spears will join returning mentors Cowell and record executive L.A. Reid on the panel.

Several stars — from Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato to Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey — were reportedly discussed as possible replacements for Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul before Spears became the front-runner. There's no word yet on whether one of those rumored contenders (or anyone, for that matter) will join the show as a fourth judge.

"The X Factor" returns to Fox in September, with auditions already under way.

Are you excited for Britney to join "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments!