By TYLER PATRICK
After months of speculation and rumors, X-Factor announces its two new judges: Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. Following its first season in 2011, X-Factor creator Simon Cowell fired two of its four judges, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger. Cowell remains a judge on the show with record producer LA Reid.
X-Factor first premiered in the United Kingdom in 2004 and created such artists as Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Jedward and One Direction. The new season has the potential to be the best singing show on television with its new judges. The show will compete against American Idol and The Voice, two other successful singing shows on air in the Fall.
The choice of Spears has sparked controversy regarding her singing ability and mental sanity, however accusations against the singer are preposterous and judgmental. Many people question Spears’ sanity to judge the show and her talent as an artist. Accusations like “How can somebody who doesn’t sing live, judge somebody on his singing abilities?” Well, Spears is actually a fantastic singer and sang live for her entire Femme Fatale tour in the summer of 2011. Spears has the kind of stage presence and ability to perform make someone a true star.
Another attribute that will make Spears a good judge is the fact that she has been in the business for more than 13 years. This experience will definitely be great for contestants on the show who will get advice from someone who has witnessed the business firsthand for so many years.
One question about Spears though is whether or not she will feel comfortable to actually say anything other than her famous adjectives “cool” and “nice.” In most interviews over the past few years, Spears can be seen making awkward gestures and appearing very stiff and short answered; however’ being on a show like X-Factor should allow her to leave her comfort zone and become America’s sweetheart once more.
People have also questioned what makes Demi Lovato, singer and ex- Disney star, good enough to be a judge on the show too. This entertainment advocate thinks this decision was a great move on Cowell’s part because it brings in a teenage audience who will watch the show each week to see Lovato on screen. Lovato has tremendous talent as a singer and her inspiration to young fans over her battle with depression will allow her to be a great mentor.
Both Spears and Lovato will add to the judging panel with Cowell and Reid who both can come across as mean and harsh at times. Both female singers will more than likely be the nice pair that contestants confide in and the audience sides with on most accounts.
This season of X-Factor will definitely be worth watching and will have fans on the edge of their seats on every episode, waiting to see what Spears will say and how the judges will interact with one another. The new season premieres in September 2012.