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Still, it has yet to be seen whether Spears and Lovato have the ability to come up with interesting ways to assess talent, not to mention an ability to stand up to Cowell’s alpha male intensity.

THE X FACTOR LOOKS TO YOUTH MARKET WITH SPEARS AND LOVATO

Simon Cowell Hopes to Boost Ratings of Fox Series with Teen Pop Queens as Judges

Move over Paula and Nicole, it’s time for Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.


Simon Cowell
and Fox officially announced at yesterday’s upfronts that Spears and Lovato will join L.A. Reid and himself as judges on The X Factor when it returns for its second season to the network in the fall, where it will air on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with NBC’s The Voice occupying Monday nights on the schedule.


Press reports peg Spears’ one-year salary at $15 million, though it hasn’t been revealed what Lovato’s take will be.


“I'm absolutely delighted Britney and Demi are joining us,” said Cowell. “Britney 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. I think it’s really important that she speaks to our younger audience. The new panel will be dynamic and will work really well with the changes we are making to the show.”


Added Spears: “I couldn't be more excited to join The X Factor judging panel. I'm a huge fan of the show and now I get to be a part of the action. Simon and L.A. better watch out!”

“I'm so thrilled to join this legendary group of judges on The X Factor,” said Lovato. “To be able to spend each week with Simon, L.A. and Britney watching the best that America has to offer is truly a dream come true.”


Mike Darnell
, Fox’s President of Alternative Entertainment, noted, “Britney is an unparalleled superstar. Her success in the music industry over the last two decades makes her a perfect fit for The X Factor judging panel. Demi has mass appeal and is beloved by her fans around the world. We are incredibly lucky to have them on board and we know they will bring so much excitement to the judging table for Season Two!”


Added the show’s executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz: “Britney Spears has done it all as the ultimate pop icon. I am thrilled that she has agreed to join the show. Nobody embodies The X Factor more than Britney. She has shown the world what it means, how to do it and how to sustain it! Demi, like Britney, was discovered at a young age. Her ambition and drive solidifies her as one of the most popular young artists today. Now they will each get a chance to share their experiences and skills with the acts that they will mentor on The X Factor.”


In its first season on Fox, The X Factor shot to the top of the ratings as the #1 unscripted series of the fall and currently ranks as a Top 10 series among adults 18-49 and the #1 new series among women 18-49.

Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly downplayed any competition with The Voice, claiming the show has gone down in the ratings since its post-Super Bowl premiere a year ago. "I'll bet on the original," Reilly said.

Despite the big build-up, The X Factor did not come close to hitting the 20 million viewers that Cowell predicted in its first season, even though it was among the most expensive in terms of advertising because of its 5.4 million viewers in the 18-49 demo. That number will likely increase with the presence of the two pop divas.

Still, it has yet to be seen whether Spears and Lovato have the ability to come up with interesting ways to assess talent, not to mention an ability to stand up to Cowell’s alpha male intensity.

The X Factor results show and Glee will go up against NBC’s block of comedies on Thursday nights.

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