Fox just announced the big news at the network's upfront presentation today. Britney Spears and Demi Lovato have been added to the judges table for the second season of singing competition series The X Factor. Spears and Lovato both took the stage along with L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell when the announcement was made.
This news doesn't come as much of a surprise as it was looking like Spears and Lovato were a lock for the judges spots vacated by Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul after the series' first season. But now the official word is in and Simon Cowell is "delighted" that the two pop stars are joining the show:
“I'm absolutely delighted Britney and Demi are joining us,” said Simon 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.”
While Spears has more years on Lovato both in age and in her career, which may mean she'll have a bit more to contribute as far as her own personal experience goes, Lovato is 19 years old and could serve to represent the voice of younger viewers. Whether or not they prove to be good judges and mentors on the series remains to be seen. What seems extremely likely is the appeal and attention the two musicians will bring to the show. It seems probable that fans of Lovato and Spears will tun in to see how they do as judges on the series.
Fox currently has The X Factor set to air on Wednesdays and Thursdays on the Fall 2012-2013 schedule.
