Christina Aguilera Welcomes Britney Spears As a Fellow Reality TV Judge on "The X Factor"
Pop stars Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears have been pitted against one another throughout their careers, but Aguilera says their latest competition will be strictly friendly.
The "Beautiful" singer welcomed Spears to her upcoming role as a judge on "The X Factor" during a press event on Sunday to promote the Sept. 10 premiere of "The Voice," when Aguilera will kick off her third season at the judges' table.
"I came up with Britney. 'Mickey Mouse Club,' we were very close. Our paths have always crossed and they continue to cross. I welcome her to this family of fun and entertainment and finding new talent," Aguilera said. "I don't know what she's going to offer specifically, but I know she's a pro and she's going to give, I think, great advice."
Spears will make her "X Factor" debut Sept. 12, just two days after the season premiere of "The Voice."
Aguilera and Spears are among an increasingly crowded field of superstar singing competition judges. They'll soon be joined by Mariah Carey, who will come aboard the "American Idol" judging team for the show's 12th season.
The pop divas aren't just generating lots of buzz -- they're also pulling in enormous paychecks. Spears will get a reported $15 million for one season on "X Factor," while Carey will earn $18 million from "Idol."
Aguilera told the media she isn't daunted by the reality show arms race for the most buzz-worthy judging panel.
"I welcome these very talented women," Aguilera said. "You know, this business, especially in my genre of pop, [people] pit us against one another and women against women and this and that. I'm not down for that. At this point in my life, I have no patience for it. So, I'm like, come in, the more the merrier."
Anticipation is high for Spears' appearance alongside Simon Cowell on "X Factor." With a history of instability -- most notably her erratic behavior in 2007 that culminated in shaving her head and being put under the conservatorship of her father -- critics are speculating how Spears will come off in such an unscripted setting.
But it's all been smooth sailing, according to Spears' fellow judge L.A. Reid. He recently discussed her performance with Bravo's Andy Cohen on "Watch What Happens Live," saying Spears uses few words but has some "great expressions."
"She's really good," Reid said of Spears. "She's funny, she's quick."
