Simon Cowell is obviously not paying any attention to me, because I have just learned that not only is he trying to snag the grand dame of the Louisiana swamps for X Factor, but he is also in negotiations to pay the lip-syncing pop star upwards of $15 million dollars for next season.
As I type this, Britney’s handlers are working out the small print of the deal, but it is basically a foregone conclusion that she will be judging the show next season, replacing one of the seats left vacant by Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger. The final contract must go through several people before it is approved – namely Britney’s father, who is conservator over her and her estate, as well as the judge that oversees the conservatorship. Britney’s soon to be husband is also reportedly playing a prominent role in the negotiations.
Simon Cowell, the X Factor executive producer, said this week: “I would love to have her on the show. I think she would be a fascinating person to sit next to.”
I can read between the lines. This is what he really means…
“I cannot wait to get that crazy, country ass bumpkin on live TV. Hopefully, her brain will split into a million pieces on air and we can get the ratings I need!”
Simon said an announcement could come within the week.
Excuse me, but wasn’t it Cowell himself that said a few weeks ago that he would never shell out that much money to one celebrity judge because it was not in the budget? How quickly times change. The good thing is that by snatching up Britney, you’re getting more than one person…on a good day, you could have several faces of cray cray. The other good bad news is that there is only a 7-second time delay on live TV.
For $15 million dollars a year, Britney better bring the crazy, because anything less deserves a full refund!
