Britney Spears revealed it was her makeup artist who helped pave the way for her to join "The X Factor" in Season 2 as a judge.
"Actually, my makeup artist was the makeup artist for Simon [Cowell]," Britney told reporters on Monday at "The X Factor" portion of the FOX Television Critics Association summer tour in Beverly Hills. The pop superstar explained that she and her makeup artist talked about "X Factor," a show she was a fan of, while she was on her last tour. After the trek, when the unnamed makeup artist went back to working for Simon, it helped create the path that got her on the show.
"We just all met up and it made sense. I adore Simon and it was something I really wanted to do," Britney said.
According to Simon, Britney and her fellow freshman "X Factor" judge, Demi Lovato, are great additions to the table, which includes L.A. Reid.
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"She's a really, really good judge," Simon said of Britney. "Demi is a brat, but there's something very likable about her as well."
Simon added that Demi was good for the panel because they needed, "somebody a bit younger, because I'm in my 30s." (He's 52.)
As for how Britney is as a judge, Simon noted she is tough.
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"Britney's quite mean, as you'll discover," he said.
"She's a sweetheart, who's very honest," Demi chimed in.
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"As sweet as a lemon," Simon claimed.
A journalist at the session asked the two female judges what reality television shows they'd seen prior to joining the FOX show, and Simon quietly quipped, "Don't mention 'The Voice,'" (which won't air on the same night as "X Factor," but will also be on rival NBC this fall). Demi noted she watched "American Idol" in the early days.
One reporter asked Demi, who turns 20 next month, what expertise she brought to the panel with so few years under her belt, and the former Disney star cited her dedication to tuning into the airwaves.
"I think that the expertise that I'm able to contribute is I'm listening to the radio right now and I know a lot of what my friends like, and we're in our early 20s and late teens," she said. "I think we know what is needed in this industry and what is missing."
In related "X Factor" news, Simon confirmed the show will have two hosts in Season 2 and screen testing is currently underway. An announcement on the hosts is expected mid-August.
As for the talent this season, Simon said one country singer has already stood out, someone he said would be a "huge, huge star."
Simon also commented on the news Monday that Mariah Carey will be a judge on his former show, "American Idol." ("X Factor" watchers will remember Mariah was nearly his celebrity mentor during the first season of his newer show, but storms forced her a cancellation of her flight).
"I'm happy for her, actually. I like Mariah. I think she's going to find it difficult to say no [to the contestants]," the Brit said. "I think she'll be great."
-- Jolie Lash
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