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Britney Spears And Demi Lovato Talk Cute Boys And Simon Cowell In New ‘X Factor’ Interview

Posted 6/29/12 1:32 pm EST by in Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, the x factor

X Factor

By Zachary Swickey

The upcoming revamped second season of Fox’s “The X Factor” is sure to be interesting now that Britney Spears and Demi Lovato have replaced Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger as judges alongside industry vet L.A. Reid and the program’s mastermind, Simon Cowell.

Season two doesn’t kick off until September 12, but auditions are well underway for the program. A new YouTube vid interview posted on “X Factor’s” official account provides a glimpse into the season two auditions in Providence, Rhode Island.

We’re first shown the dramatic entrance from the individual judges as they exit their limos and walk the red carpet with fans screaming wildly. Cowell’s entrance is a little more comical as he is seen driving a small scooter – complete with several motorcycle patrolmen escorting him – and sneaking in through a back entrance that appears to be fan-free (what a party pooper).

In the interview, Spears is asked if she’ll let any guys through simply because they’re cute – something Reid and Cowell have admittedly been guilty of when it comes to female contestants. “I think it does help a little bit if the guy is somewhat handsome,” she says, “but I feel like for the most part we try to boil it down to talent.”

Lovato explained how difficult it can be sitting in the judge’s chair, saying, “You’re always thinking in the back of your mind, if you say no, what if that is their only shot? And you let them go when they weren’t really that bad? It’s confusing, but it’s everything I expected and more with having fun and bonding with the cast.”

“Everyone’s really great except Simon,” Lovato joked about her fellow judges. The singer seems to have plenty of nostalgic love for Spears in particular, saying, “I grew up listening to her [Spears] so it’s really awesome sitting next to her on the panel.”

Spears returned the love, saying, “Same for her [Lovato] too. I totally admire her work and everything that she’s done. It’s fun!”

Watch:

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Simon Cowell Not A Fan Of 'The Voice,' Calls It An 'X Factor' Rip-off

Posted 5/17/12 12:41 pm EST by in The Voice, the x factor

The Voice

By Zachary Swickey

Surprise, surprise – it appears Simon Cowell is not a fan of the "The Voice" and claims the vocal competition show is a blatant rip-off of his own pet-project, “The X Factor” (more specifically, the British iteration, which pre-dates "The Voice," as the US "X Factor" premiered later).

Cowell was chatting it up with Radio 4’s Today Show when he made the bold suggestion that “The Voice” should be on radio instead of television – saying he “didn’t understand” it.

"That show ['The Voice'] puzzles me because it starts off and 'it's all about the voice'," he explained. "So my first thought is, 'Why isn't this on radio?' because what's the point in looking at them. Then suddenly I'm watching it a week or two weeks ago and it's the same as 'The X Factor.' They've got dancers behind them, graphics, lights. Same show."

Apparently, Cowell thinks he has a patent on singing, dancers, graphics and lights?

“I see a lot of shows trying to rip us off. If you try and rip somebody off it always looks like a bad copy,” he continued. Ouch.

Plenty would argue with his statement as “The Voice” has been a ratings behemoth and even helped recharge the celebrity of some its judges. You couldn’t go anywhere without hearing Adam Levine’s Maroon 5 troupe and their hit “Moves Like Jagger,” which featured fellow judge Christina Aguilera, last summer. “The X Factor,” however, has not been taking off the way Cowell expected.

Although, we’re pretty sure Cowell will see one heck of a ratings boost now that they have added Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to this year’s judging panel.

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Mariah Carey Doesn't Care About Britney Spears Joining 'The X Factor,' Continues Being Awesome

Posted 5/15/12 12:03 pm EST by in Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, the x factor

Mariah Carey

Yesterday, Mariah Carey was awesome because of the insanely lavish first birthday party she threw DemBabies. Today, Mariah Carey is awesome because she doesn't give a crap about Britney Spears being on "The X Factor."

She doesn't mean that as an insult to Spears either. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Let us explain.

Asked by "Extra" what she thought about Britney's new role as a judge on the singing competition alongside Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, Carey did what she does best – gave a blatantly honest answer that simultaneously praised Spears while throwing a little shade at "Factor."

(Man, do we love Mariah Carey. She's the best shade-thrower in the game.)

"You think I focus on that stuff? Have we met?" the diva asked. "I love her [Britney], honestly, I think she's a very nice person, but I don't care who's going on that show – as long as it's not me."

BOOM!

Carey was briefly linked to the role shortly after Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul were let go. Check out the action in all its glory, after the jump. Read More...

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Britney, Demi, Miley, Avril: MTV Newsroom Weighs In On The Next 'X Factor' Judge!

Posted 5/3/12 4:22 pm EST by in the x factor

Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne's names all continue to circulate as the next possible judge on "The X Factor." Yesterday, our very own James Montgomery broke down the strengths and weaknesses of each of the ladies.

Now, it's time for the MTV Newsroom to weigh in.

Rya

Rya Backer, Segment Producer

Ever since I watched the “Stay Strong” documentary on her, I've been obsessed with Demi Lovato. She's so talented and warm and willing to put herself out there! The contestants and audience will love her for it.

Ade

Ade Mangum, Segment Producer

Let's be real. Everyone would want to see Britney as the new "X Factor" judge. Why? Who doesn't want to tune in just to hear what she'll say next ... informative or embarrassing? It'll generate Twitter trending topics, slang and we might even start using the term "you've been Spear'd." Let's get Brit on there!

Liz

Elizabeth Lancaster, Production Associate

I think Britney Spears is the best contender for a judge. She has been in the business the longest, and has been the most successful at it. Her experiences, both good and bad, give her insight she can pass on to up and comers. She has the most to offer!

Matt

Matt Harper, Senior Producer

Why does 'X Factor' feel it needs to replace Paula and Nicole with another pop star? Out of the four shortlisted potential judges, the one with the most singing talent is the least recognizable name (Demi), and the most famous one is in no position to be giving singing critiques (Britney). I would love to see someone who has had genuine music success, but could also keep a straight face while giving out singing/career advice (Mary J Blige? Nora Jones?). Hell, if they stepped out of the box a bit and got someone who wasn’t just a generic female pop star, I might consider watching. I’m putting my vote in now for R. Kelly.

Who do you think would be perfect for the role? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @MTVNews!

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Kelly Rowland Exits UK 'X Factor' After Just One Year On Panel

Posted 4/30/12 12:53 pm EST by in Kelly-Rowland, the x factor

Kelly Rowland

By Zachary Swickey

Kelly Rowland has been charming fans overseas for the last year as a judge on the UK’s “The X Factor"; however, her days on the panel are unfortunately over, she just confirmed.

Rowland blamed “scheduling issues” and “global commitments” for her exit from Simon Cowell’s hit. The singer released a statement, saying she was unable to find a “workable solution” after discussing it with the show’s producers for a number of weeks.

“I love the UK and being part of the show last year. Mentoring the girls was such an incredible experience I will never forget. I would like to thank Simon for the great opportunity and asking me to be a judge last season,” Rowland said.

Rowland joined the revamped panel in 2011. Danni Minogue (pop star sister of global megastar Kylie Minogue) – who was a judge on the program from 2007-10 – is already rumored as Rowland’s replacement.

After being a dominant force in UK television for several years, “The X Factor” suffered low ratings last year as it slowly shed viewers in the weeks following its season premiere. Likewise, “American Idol” and new hit “The Voice” have created some very strong competition for the US iteration of the program, which didn’t connect with audiences last year and is also on the lookout for a new panel of judges itself.

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No Halt To 'X Factor' Panelists Rumors

Posted 3/22/12 3:02 pm EST by in Television, the x factor

One Direction

By Elizabeth Lancaster

No exhaling yet for fans of "The X Factor"! In an interview yesterday with "Access Hollywood," Simon Cowell broke it down for everyone and explained who he is currently supporting musically, and who he CLEARLY is not.

Clearly supporting: One Direction. "We’ve been missing this kind of pop boom for a while and I think this is going to be the beginning of a wave," he said of One Direction's incredible success. He admires their "solid fan base" and ended the conversation proclaiming, "They’re smart boys."

(Don't forget, One Direction was discovered on the U.K. version of "The X Factor." Find out everything you need to know about the latest boy band sensation in our primer – One Direction: A Guide To The Biggest Boy Band Around)

So if Simon likes One Direction, who is he not so interested in? Well, in response to inquiries about Darren Criss being asked to host "X Factor," Simon said, "I don’t know who he is." When he was altered to the fact that Criss is a breakout from "Glee," he asked, "Is he the one in the wheelchair? I like him."

So who will be on the panel? That remains as up in the air as ever.

"At the moment, all the concentration is on the judging panel. I’ve got to be honest with you, as usual Billy, this is all gonna happen at the last minute. I can feel it," Cowell told "Access Hollywood." "There’s so much going on at the moment over there with the show. It’s a lot of work to put in and there’s a new component to the show which is exciting and I’m not going to talk about it yet ‘cause I don’t want to tell the others what I’m doing. So there’s just a lot going on. So I think in terms of order, we’ve got to land the judges, and then, I think you’ve gotta work out the hosts, based on who the judges are gonna be to make sure you get the right chemistry.”

So the search continues. Who would you like to see join "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments below.

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Why Janet Jackson Is Perfect For 'The X Factor'

Posted 2/17/12 10:21 am EST by in Janet-Jackson, Television, the x factor

Janet Jackson

After a slightly uncomfortable interview with Anderson Cooper on his daytime talk show, where she hesitated when asked if she would be joining "The X Factor" only to turn around and say that while she wasn't a judge on Simon Cowell's primetime reality singing competition right now "that’s all I really think I should say," speculation is rampant that Janet Jackson has been approached to join the show.

And if the rumors are true, we're all for it! Jackson would be a great addition to the FOX competition and would bring the industry expertise and attitude necessary to add a little spark to the flailing program.

One of the things that has worked so effectively for "The Voice" is the fact that its judges/mentors are all still active as artists. As we noted in our recap of this week's episode, it's kind of interesting and exciting to watch the judges battle it out for team members using the other's status and activity in the industry. When Christina Aguilera contended that she could pay more attention to a contestant because she wasn't currently touring, Blake Shelton countered that while he was indeed on the road, he'd taken his season one "Voice" finalist Dia Frampton with him … something he could likely offer his top contestant this season as well.

That's not something Paula Abdul or Nicole Scherzinger could offer. Abdul hasn't released an album since 1995 (her discography contains only three records total) and Scherzinger can't even seem to get her own solo debut released in the U.S., having seen its release pushed back several times when single after single went nowhere. Who are they to critique the voices and careers of fledgling singers? We like Abdul as much as the next guy, but her daffy shenanigans don't really bring anything to the table other than something fun for viewers to point at and talk about the next day. Read More...

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MTV News' Jim Cantiello Joins 'The X Factor' Team

Posted 10/25/11 9:39 am EST by in reality tv, the x factor

X Factor

Big announcement alert!

Big announcement alert!

Big announcement alert!

I’ve been asked to join “The X Factor” team as a backstage reporter for their official weekly pre-show. Starting Tuesday, October 25 at 7pm EDT on "X Factor's" official site – and continuing weekly on Wednesdays – the live pre-show will feature interviews with the judges, the fans and all of the industry heavy-hitters roaming around backstage, capturing all the craziness that ensues in the moments leading up to the live "X Factor" broadcast on Fox.

So how the hell did I, as a lowly TV fan and MTV News personality, become heavily involved with a big major network reality competition? It’s a long, insane story, but the short of it is this interview (check it out after the jump): Read More...

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