Simon Cowell - Simon Cowell: Britney Spears Will Be A Hit On X Factor

Though Britney's involvement in the show is yet to be made official, Cowell's comments appear to suggest the deal is already done, and he told Kbig-FM radio host Billy Bush, that he is "fascinated" by the star, adding, "'The fact that she's still one of the most talked-about - not just popstars, but people in the world today - means that you've got this star power". Britney's troubled personal life includes a 55 hour marriage as well as several stints in rehabilitation, but the X Factor mogul says her past could stand Spears in good stead for coping with the demands of the show, saying, "This girl's got resilience and the fact that she's survived this and she's still hot, she's still having hit records and she's still controversial... there's a reason for that". When asked if he thought Britney was the best candidate for the job, Cowell replied, "I would think that if she's managed to sustain in her family life a career which is tough, this is a walk in the park".

The X Factor Usa fared well in the ratings during its debut season, but Cowell has made no secret of his desire to take it to the next level. He recently axed Welsh host Steve Jones, as well as judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger. Reports suggest he is planning to lure Britney and Janet Jackson to join himself and L.A Reid on the judging panel.