BRITNEY SPEARS SIGNS ON TO JUDGE THE X FACTOR FOR $15 MILLION

After weeks of shuffling rumored superstars around like a deck of cards, it's now become official that Simon Cowell has secured pop tart Britney Spears to judge the second season of The X Factor for a whopping $15 million. That's five million more than what was originally negotiated and $3 million more than what J Lo gets over at American Idol, which makes Britbot the richest judge in reality TV history.

It also looks like Britney can carpool to work with her fiance (and soon-to-be co-conservator) Jason Trawick. A source is claiming that Jason will reportedly come on board The X Factor as a producer. Says the source, “Jason is expected to be there every day Britney is on set. He is her rock and will help guide her through the process. He is the person she trusts the most.”

A production insider adds, “It’ll be a fun project and [Britney] is welcoming the chance to mentor up-and-coming artists. She loves the idea of helping emerging talent get the recognition they deserve and is really looking forward to being on the show.”


There's also word that Simon is also hiring an additional judge, and two more hosts. With all thatm oney he shoved in Britney's direction, I hope he can at least afford craft service.

While I applaud Simon for trying desperately to get a big name to attach themselves to one of his shows, I hope Britney will be able to give an honest opinion on live TV and not be afraid to get booed if the audience doesn't agree with her opinion. Once you go live your team won't be able to protect you. Britney hasn't been the same mentally since her breakdown in 2006, and while she did attempt a comeback with her well-produced Femme Fatale album, I saw her concert on Epix and she was clearly half-assing it for 90 minutes.

I also wish that Simon would focus on putting together a group of judges based on chemistry (see: The Voice) and focus less on hiring a superstar for ratings. And speaking of which, how long before the media resurrects that Britney vs. Xtina feud the dominated most of the late 90's early 2000's?