Matt Sayles / AP file

“America’s Got Talent’s” newest judge, Howard Stern, brought plenty of shock to the latest press event for the NBC talent reality competition when he was asked about the report Britney Spears has signed on to judge “The X Factor.”

“I think it’s a wonderful decision, Britney still thinks the Earth is flat,” Howard said. “Listen, I think we’re going to tune in to see her, if she can sort of function through the thing.”

(TODAY.com is powered by msnbc.com, which is a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

VIEW THE PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ team: Then & now

The “AGT” judge doesn’t think the pop star will be able to offer up any useful advice to the contestants on the FOX singing competition.

“As far as any real criticism, I think Simon [Cowell] and L.A. Reid will be doing that. I think Britney is going to stand there and eat a lollipop and wear a sexy outfit. I don’t anticipate great opinions out of her,” he continued.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Britney Spears’ early years — a look back!

Howard also took a shot at “American Idol” while slamming Britney.

“I think she’s going to sit there like J.Lo and [say], ‘Oh, you’re wonderful. You’re terrific. Do you think I could get a perfume endorsement out of this? You think I could perform on the show?’ I think that’s what it’s about,” the radio personality said.

Regardless of his issues over the report Britney is joining the FOX show, Howard said he will be watching if it happens.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Pop princess Britney Spears

“I’ll tune in to see what kind of train wreck she is, absolutely,” he added.

“America’s Got Talent” returns to NBC on May 14 at 8 p.m.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Crazy! Sexy! Cool! The planet’s hottest pop stars take the stage

Do you think Howard is right and that Britney will judge like J.Lo does on 'Idol'? Or do you think Britney will bring something new? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

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Britney Spears is official. After months of eight-figure negotiations, the pop star has finally signed her contract to join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid as a judge on "The X Factor."

Spears finally inked her deal this week, E! News has exclusively confirmed. As we previously reported, Spears will get $15 million for one season's worth of work. She had agreed in principle to the deal weeks ago and had spent the last several days working out the fine print.

"The contract is signed," reveals source close to the star. "There's been a lot of back and forth over the past few weeks as they negotiated the small details, but she's on. It's all completed and Britney is beyond excited."

Cowell blew up the show's cast at the end of its inaugural season, firing judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones. Since then, he's been searching for the perfect panel in hopes of boosting the show's second-season ratings.

"She's ready for this," the insider continues. "She can't wait to sit down next to Simon at the judges' table and give this everything she's got. She is excited about showing the world that she can do this, and do this well. This is the perfect next stage in her career. Both Britney and Simon are very excited to work together."

This will be Britney's first network TV project since her short-lived "Britney & Kevin: Chaotic" reality series with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

Now we're just waiting for Cowell and crew to finalize the fourth judge (names floated this week include Spears' fellow former Disney princesses Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato, but neither has been confirmed) and name a new host -- or, possibly, hosts. That announcement is expected by the time Fox announces its fall schedule at the upfronts on Monday.

Will you watch? How do you think Britney and Simon will get along? Tell us on Facebook.

Slideshow: The Spears years

Launch slideshow

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Jason Redmond / Reuters

Sources tell E! News that Britney Spears is close to signing a $15 million deal to join "X Factor."

Britney Spears and Simon Cowell are about to become TV's next power couple. The pop princess is thisclose to signing a big-bucks deal to become a judge on "X Factor," multiple sources have exclusively confirmed to E! News.

After weeks of heavy negotiating, Britney's team has finally agreed to a $15 million fee for the role. "Both camps were back and forth on the money but now they have finally come to agreement on the fee," says one insider with intimate knowledge of the pending deal. "That was the big sticking point and now, thankfully, it's been sorted. All they need to do now is work out the smaller points. The fact the money is now set, means that there is nothing stopping this from becoming a reality."

And this will be a package deal: coming along for the ride with Britney is fianc Jason Trawick.

More from E: Is Britney Spears joining 'The X Factor?' Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid address judging rumors

A second source reveals that her soon-to-be husband (who is also petitioning to become her coconservator), will become a producer on the show. "Jason is expected to be there every day Britney is on set. He is her rock and will help guide her through the process. He is the person she trusts the most," the second source tells us.

The deal will make Spears the highest paid judge on reality television, eclipsing Jennifer Lopez's $12 million deal for "American Idol." Barring any last-minute snafus, Spears will fill one of two "X Factor" judging vacancies after Cowell fired Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger at the close of the show's first season.

A rep for the "X Factor" would neither confirm nor deny whether Spears was even being considered. A Fox rep had no comment. However a production insider tells E! News that "this is an exciting time for [Britney]. It'll be a fun project and she is welcoming the chance to mentor up-and-coming artists. She loves the idea of helping emerging talent get the recognition they deserve and is really looking forward to being on the show."

More from E: Five reasons for 'X Factor' tear down

"She gets on very well with Simon. He has worked hard at persuading her to start this new chapter in her career. She is an icon, and the perfect example of what having the 'X Factor means.'

"She's really looking forward to the project and being able to connect with her fans."

Britney is expected to start her new role in the middle of May but there's no word yet on who will fill the final spot, according to the show source.

More from E: Britney Spears offered $10 million for 'X Factor,' but she wants how much?!

"The decision of who will join Simon, Britney and L.A. is yet to be made. Simon really wanted Britney confirmed first. Once she signs, he can make the final preparations."

In a conference call, which took place before Spears' deal was imminent, Cowell waxed lyrical about his new judge, "The fact that she's one of the most talked about--not just pop stars, but people--in the world today means that you've got this star power. She's still hot, she's still having hit records, and she's still controversial. There's a reason for that."

In addition to two new judges, Simon is also hiring a new pair of hosts. X Factor is slated to return to Fox in September.

Gallery from E: Top 10 reality shows of 2011

Do you think she'll make a good judge? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

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Dan Steinberg / AP file

Simon Cowell allegedly found a woman standing in his London home's bathroom on Saturday night.

Updated March 26, 10:30 ET.

LONDON - A woman charged with breaking into the west London home of television entrepreneur Simon Cowell was remanded in custody Monday, according to Reuters.

Leanne Zaloumis, 29, was charged with trespassing on Saturday night after smashing Cowell's bathroom window and hiding in his $14-million London mansion's walk-in closet. After she was arrested, officers found blood marks in the bathroom.

Britain's ITN quoted the "X Factor" judge's spokesman Max Clifford as saying that Cowell heard a "loud bang" at around 10:30 p.m. local time (5:30 p.m. ET) on Saturday.

"Simon rushed upstairs to find out what was going on," Clifford said. "It came from the bathroom so he went in and there was a woman standing there holding a brick."

 Clifford said Cowell had described the incident as "like something from a horror movie."

"It was a very frightening experience for Simon," he added.

Cowell's security team detained the woman until police appeared, according to The Sun.

Citing sources, The Sun reported that the woman was believed to be an "over-zealous fan," and police said nothing had been taken.

Zaloumis is slated to return to court on June 12.

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Luis Martinez / AP file

Britney Spears is nearing a deal to serve as judge on next season's "The X Factor," a well-placed source tells The Hollywood Reporter. Spears' fiance, agent Jason Trawick, is negotiating the contract which could be signed as soon as next week.

Recently, reports surfaced that the pop superstar was interested in joining the panel, but according to an insider, it was show creator Simon Cowell who made the initial approach. Spears is signed to Sony Music's RCA Records, which absorbed her original label Jive in 2011 and has exclusive music rights to X Factor artists.   

STORY: 'X Factor's' Simon Cowell Confirms Two Hosts for Season 2, More Americans

As one of Sony's Music's marquee acts (33 million albums sold in the U.S. and counting), Spears brings legitimacy as a successful recording artist, something critics of X Factor say was missing in last year's competition, as well as a level of unpredictability and drama that also was largely absent from the Fox show when Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul were judges.   

During a conference call with reporters in February, Cowell would not confirm that talks had begun with Spears, but did hint that “there’s going to be a lot of twists and turns over the next few weeks and a lot of things we’re going to announce."

ANALYSIS: 'X Factor' Shake-Up: Simon Cowell Makes Right Decision But Puts Pressure on Himself

To prepare for the seat alongside judges Cowell and Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid, Spears is undergoing extensive media training. Janet Jackson was also in the running as a potential judge, but reportedly bowed out citing previous commitments to tour.

No word yet on who might take the fourth spot. Two hosts have yet to be named as well. 

STORY: 'X Factor' Shake-Up: How Simon Cowell Fired Paula Abdul, Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger

Another high-ranking show exec recently told THR that the perfect candidate would be someone based in Los Angeles who not only has music business success and credentials, but is perhaps a parent and wants to spend time with his or her kids. Clearly, Spears fits the bill. 

Spears' representative could not be reached for comment. A rep for the show refused to confirm or comment. Fox had no comment.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images file

Janet Jackson turns down Simon Cowell? Yes, but only in a professional capacity.

Jackson, who was heavily rumored to be one of the two people filling the vacant spots on The X Factor judging table, has confirmed that she won't be taking the gig...

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The singer says in a statement that she is "very flattered that X Factor let me know that I was being considered for next season, but it just wouldn't be possible."

Her rep tells E! News that the singer's commitment to her Number Ones Up Close and Personal Tour and as well as a Tyler Perry movie is the reason behind her passing on the show. But what's even more interesting is the fact that Janet's team claims they had "absolutely no meetings" with The X Factor in regards to a possible judging spot.

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Guess the rumors really were just rumors this time (there was no comment from The X Factor). Time to take to the phones again, Cowell. Might we suggest a Britney or Mariah?

Bummed to see Janet turn down X Factor? Any other ideas for who should be on the judging table? Share your thoughts on Facebook.

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L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell say two ladies will join them on "The X Factor" panel for season two.

Rumors may be swirling that some big-named celebs want to join "The X Factor" (including Britney Spearsand LeAnn Rimes), but judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid aren't ready to confirm or deny any of that talk.

But it doesn't mean the two men are refusing to dish about new additions to the cast for season two. During a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, Reid said, "The only thing you can count on is that we will likely have two girls (judging). That you can probably count on."

"I think that's 100 percent," Cowell said. "There's going to be a lot of twists and turns over the next few weeks, and a lot of things we're going to announce. But while you've got 'The Voice' and 'Idol' competing with each other, I've learned a big lesson: Keep your mouth shut."

But there was another nugget of info that Cowell revealed during the call.

"There will be two (hosts)," Cowell said. "What we've learned on the show is you've got so much information you've got to relay as one person now, that it's almost impossible to have one person doing the hosting job. ... They're like newscasters now, these hosts. It's a much much bigger role."

Cowell also said that he's "always wanted" one male and one female hosting "X Factor," and believes that now it will definitely happen. "I think it's going to make it more interesting."

Season one host Steve Jones was let go in January, along with judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger.

Who would you like to see be a judge on the show? Who should host? Give us your picks on our Facebook page!

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Britney Spears arrives at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Britney Spears wants to join the judges' panel on "X Factor," a source close to the pop star, 30, tells Us Weekly.

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With a keen interest in joining Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid at the judges' table for the FOX smash, the recently engaged "Till the World Ends" singer has reached out; a show rep didn't return calls to Us.

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The show recently fired judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger plus host Steve Jones. Another pop icon now in talks to be a judge? Janet Jackson, multiple sources confirmed to Us last week. In addition, Black Eyed Peas' Fergie is also in the running for the show, the source added on Wednesday.

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Do you think Britney would make a good "X Factor" judge? Tell us what you think on Facebook.

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Dan Steinberg / Dan Steinberg / AP

Simon Cowell wants to see a battle of the talent show greats.

With his show on the sidelines this spring, “X Factor’s” Simon Cowell is looking to get attention by elbowing his way into the headlines. A few weeks ago, it was by dumping Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul. That got him the publicity he wanted, but it’s hard to do that more than once a year because he’d quickly run out of people to fire.

On Thursday, he tried a different tactic, tweeting during the “American Idol” Las Vegas round:

“Maybe the winner of @TheXFactorUSA this yr should compete with winner of The Voice & Idol in a super final. Just a thought. I'd be up for it”

Well, duh. Why shouldn’t he be up for it? He’s the show trying to knock “Idol” off its perch. I’m sure he’d also be up for a mixed martial arts fight with Ryan Seacrest, or a stint on “Survivor” with the “Idol” and “Voice” judges. Anything to close that gap.

Others might have ignored Simon at this point, but when has Nigel Lythgoe ever been good at that? He responded with a tweet of his own:

“@simoncowell suggests the IDOL winner should take on the voice and x-factor winners. The problem is the Idol winner will be a star by then.”

Shots fired!

On the surface, Simon’s got the high ground. Who wouldn’t want to see the winners of all the singing shows face off? It would be a huge ratings success if marketed well – and given the amount of commercials that all the shows run to promote themselves, it’s a safe bet that everyone would know about it.

Nevertheless, I doubt that Simon actually expects this to happen. The logistics alone would be extremely difficult, since “Idol” and “The Voice” are on in the spring, “Idol” goes on tour over the summer and “X Factor starts in September. “Idol” isn’t going to cancel its tour for this.

But Nigel Lythgoe also is right in his point. “Idol’s” track record is strong, and has a proven ability to create stars. It’s winner is going to be a star soon after the finale. “The Voice” is 0-for-1 in that regard, while we’re still awaiting “X Factor” winner Melanie Amaro’s debut album.

So practically speaking, if you’re “Idol” you’d be risking a lot to gain very little. Your track record of success dwarfs that of your rivals, and it’s hard to see the show seeking company.

It’s also hard to imagine how the format would work. Perhaps each competition’s judges could mentor their winner, then sit in backwards-facing chairs during the performance itself and have Ryan Seacrest interview everyone afterwards. And then the Coke and Pepsi people could fight over sponsorship rights like the Sharks and the Jets, which would spare us a massive group sing. And the “America’s Got Talent” winner would be picketing outside for not being included.

Still, it would be some great television. And the clash of egos in the room would be something to behold.

Would you watch? Is Simon serious? Or is this just an attempt to get attention for his own show? Tell us what you think on our Facebook page.

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Simon Cowell called into CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" on Saturday evening to talk about the sudden passing of Whitney Houston -- and also confirmed The Hollywood Reporter's news that he was considering Houston as an "X Factor" judge.

"The rumors that had got back to us ... and that's often what happens when people want to be on these shows, somebody tells someone to get the word out, it's normally a sign that they are interested," Cowell told Piers Morgan, suggesting that Houston could have expressed interest in joining the Fox series.

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Show insiders tell THR that Houston had indeed expressed interest in the potential gig and was actively campaigning for it.

Cowell said that Houston's name was among those discussed and conversations about potential additions were to take place the day after the Grammy Awards.

"We were ironically going to meet on Monday and of course, one of the names we were going to be talking about in that meeting as a possible mentor on the new series of 'X Factor' was going to be Whitney Houston," he said.

Cowell added, "Given the choice, I would have liked to have taken her under my wing as well, because she would have been the ultimate, ultimate mentor to any contestant coming on the show."

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The former "American Idol" judge was upset by Houston's sudden passing.

"I am absolutely devastated by this news," Cowell said. "I am so sad for her. She was undoubtedly the greatest superstars of all time. One of the greatest voices in our time we're likely ever to hear."

On Friday, sources told THR that Houston could be joining "X Factor" on the judges panel for its second season after host Steve Jones and judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger were ousted. Houston performed on the U.K. version in October 2009.

Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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Simon Cowell wanted to keep his friend and former fellow "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul on "X Factor."

The recent string of "X Factor" firings didn't come directly from show creator Simon Cowell. In fact, if the decisions had been up to him instead of network bigwigs, one familiar face would still be part of the talent competition.

Cowell revealed that detail, as well as the fact that he takes the blame for the firing fallout, in an interview with "Extra."

"You know, it was fairly straight what (the network) wanted," Cowell said of talks with FOX officials. "We were told it had to happen straight away."

"It," of course, being the rapid-fire terminations of host Steve Jones, judge Nicole Scherzinger and Cowell's fellow former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul. As for the latter, Cowell now admits he wanted to keep his longtime pal on the show.

"I would have liked to have kept her," he said.

And Cowell might have been able to, if only he hadn't set such high expectations for the show before it ever aired.

"Most things did work (on the show)," he revealed. "It was only because I opened my big mouth at the beginning and said we were going to get 20 million (viewers). If I hadn't said that, everybody would be saying the show, as a new show, was a huge success."

And Abdul, as well as the others, might still have a job.

Do you think the network made the right call, or do you think Simon should have been able to keep Paula around? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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Nicole Scherzinger says she gave "The X Factor" her all.

Nicole Scherzinger has opened up for the first time about her departure from “The X Factor.”

In an interview with Access Hollywood correspondent Tim Vincent on Tuesday, as she announced her new role as Global Brand Ambassador for Herbal Essences, Nicole addressed parting ways with the FOX show.

 Photos from AH: Nicole Scherzinger: This Pussycat Doll’s Got ‘The X Factor’!

“What happened?” Tim asked.

“What happened? Well, all I know is that I gave 110 percent to that show,” Nicole told Tim in Los Angeles on Tuesday. “I know everybody’s talking about it, they’re saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can’t say is that I didn’t give it my all.”

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Last week, FOX confirmed that Nicole, fellow judge Paula Abdul and show host Steve Jones would not be back for a second season on Simon Cowell’s singing reality competition, and Nicole told Tim she enjoyed her time on the stateside version.

“I had a wonderful experience on the show,” Nicole continued. “I loved being a part of my ‘X Factor’ family. Nothing could obviously prepare me for everything I had to go through, all the emotions and stuff, but I have no regrets. I’ve always believed in never looking back and just moving forward and I’ve got an amazing year to look forward to.”

Steve famously told Access Hollywood Live’s Billy Bush and Kit Hoover last year that if he did part ways with “The X Factor,” he’d be calling Nicole in hopes of a possible romance.

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Nicole told Tim that Steve hasn’t yet reached out, and suggested that if he did, his chances weren’t particularly good.

“No,” she laughed. “He’s like a brother.”

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In addition to her new Herbal Essences Global Brand Ambassador gig, Nicole has a host of music-related endeavors in the works now that she isn’t returning to “The X Factor.”

“I’m kicking off with my European headlining tour, I’m leaving in a few days for that,” she said, joking she was “actually doing choreography moves right before we were filming [this interview].”

In addition to her role in the Will Smith box office vehicle “Men in Black 3,” Nicole said she recently felt her passion reignited for musical theater.

“Last year I sang ‘Phantom of the Opera’ for the royal family and for Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, so that reignited me to want to be back in the theater again, so I think I’m gonna do some more theater work this year,” she said.

“I grew up in musical theater and I’ve always dreamed of playing Christine and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber asked me to play Christine in ‘Phantom of the Opera’ for the royal family at the Royal Variety Show,” Nicole continued. “So I’m gonna get back to theater this year, some more movies and my album is coming out in the U.S. – my ‘Killer Love’ album, so I’m putting the finishing touches on it.”

Will "X Factor" be a better show without Nicole? Tell us what you think on our Facebook page!

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