After the underwhelming success of The X Factor here in the USA this past Fall, Simon Cowell let the world know the show was going to undergo some major changes.  Two of the biggest changes were the firings of judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul.  After the whole Rachel Crow debacle there was no doubt that Nicole would be fired immediately.  What was shocking was the sacking of Paula.  Simon mentioned that he did it because he wanted to distant the show from American Idol but with Paula there was too much of a similarity.  Of course, from the second it was announced that the two female judges had been fired celebrity names were being thrown out there as possible judges.  Mariah Carey was the first to gain momentum because Simon had originally wanted her on the panel for season one, but soon that rumor was squashed.  Then came the Beyoncé rumor that stated Simon offered her a ludicrous salary, and not soon afterwards the names Janet Jackson and Britney Spears entered the ring.  Recently, Janet confirmed she was not going to take the job, but every day there are more rumors that Britney is closer to signing the deal.  Just yesterday, during an interview, Simon responded to the Britney rumors saying that she would be the perfect judge and that it is a possibility that she will join the talent competition.  It's no secret that Simon has massive respect for Britney and absolutely adores her so it is such an obvious fit.  But is Britney really right for the show?
I have to say, as much as I love the legendary Princess of Pop, I was initially vehemently opposed to Britney taking a seat at the judges table.  The original rumor started when they were casting for judges for Season 1 and Britney's name came up just like a million others did.  I really didn't feel it was right because at the time Britney was still very distant from the media and was amid many personal struggles.  Plus, the obvious criticism from most people is why should a singer who lip-syncs be judging others on their vocal ability?  I felt that if she were to join the judging panel she would be ridiculed by the press and people throughout the country, and it would ultimately be too much stress for her to handle.  The judges were then announced and the rumors ceased.  But with Season 2 ramping up, the rumors started once again, and I began having a change of heart.
As the rumors started becoming more legit, especially with Simon saying he'd love to have her on the panel, I began seriously thinking about the situation.  I've come to the conclusion that there is no celebrity more perfect to take a seat at the judging panel than the one and only Britney Spears.  To first address the obviously lip syncing claims, the concept of the show must be fully understood.  This is not a singing competition.  I cannot stress this enough.  The X Factor is a talent show devoted to finding a pop star that can sell millions of records all around the world.  This is not The Voice and Idol where they are looking for the best singer.  That's the biggest misconception about this show that America needs to wrap their heads around.  Cheryl Cole who was a judge on the UK version and Paula Abdul are not known for their vocals; they are pop stars.  They work with their contestants on the performance aspect of their work, not their vocals.  That's why Britney would be the best judge because she is one of the best performers our world has ever seen.  She commands a stage and gets everyone talking.  When you're watching her you could care less about the vocals because it's about the show.  Britney has massive experience in this area and would be able to work with contestants on this aspect.
The biggest reason why I think she would be a great judge is because of her personal struggles.  She has gone through basically every trial and tribulation the entertainment industry could throw at her, and she has come out on top.  She's suffered an injured knee that has affected her dancing, she's been married and divorced, she's had kids, suffered a mental breakdown that was witnessed by everyone, she's been put under a conservatorship which means she is technically a minor, and through all of this she has released two more albums, gone on two world tours and has had multiple #1 albums and songs that have broken records.  She's gone through more crap than anyone but has never given up.  She has a wealth of knowledge and advice that she can give these hopefuls and hopefully steer them in the right direction.  She is criticized even to this day but continues to take the world of pop music by storm.  She's an incredibly strong female who could help her contestants in ways that no reality show judge has ever done before.
Also, she has the greatest personality which is something that the general public have never seen.  Everyone seems to think of her as this stiff robot, but by being on this show she could win over America and show them how wrong their depiction of her is.  She is the sweetest, most humble southern gal you have ever met, and she could finally show the world who Britney Spears really is.  Also, by being in the public eye week in and week out she could finally face her fears and expose herself in a way in which she has never done before.  She would have a freedom that I think would be hugely beneficial to her sate of mind, and it would ultimately map her a stronger woman.  And plus, how cool would it be to see Britney Spears on your television screen every week, and maybe even get a performance?  I really think Britney would be a great addition to the show this fall, but let me know your thoughts in the comments!