TV Guide Magazine: What was missing last season that you've fixed with this new panel?
Cowell: I think there was too much history with me and Paula. I adore her...but it just felt like that relationship was too steeped in American Idol history. With these shows, you can never be complacent. Whenever we choose a panel, you've got to be interesting and you've got to know what a star is.
Reid: I think Simon really nailed it. In the time that I've spent with both Britney and Demi, I'm impressed with their ability to really identify greatness and talent.
TV Guide Magazine: Britney, what was your reaction when Simon offered you the job?
Britney: He was absolutely adorable on the phone, and he is so sweet. My makeup artist used to do his makeup, and we were joking around about me doing it. So I guess it was one of those meant-to-be things.
TV Guide Magazine: And Demi, what was behind your decision to join?
Lovato: I really feel like being the first young judge on any of these vocal competition shows is a lot of pressure, but at the same time, it's great because I get to bring in a perspective from the audience that's around my age. I was nervous at first because it's not like I have the experience that L.A., Simon and Britney have. But I know how hard people have to work to get to where they want to be, and I can spot somebody who has talent and who's memorable and could be a pop star.
Britney: She's a very good judge.
Lovato: Thank you! I'm tough and I'm fair.
Britney: She toughens me up! Sometimes I listen to you and I'm like, "Oh, God, I've got to be a little stronger."
Cowell: There have been many times when L.A. and I have been the nice, sweet ones.
Lovato: We've done so much to get here. If you want to get here, you've got to put in the work. So I think that's why I'm a little tougher and why Britney's a little tougher. We don't give the horrific metaphors that Simon gives.
Cowell: You think it, though.
Lovato: I think it, but I will not say it.
Reid: That's the Simon magic. He says it and everybody's thinking, "Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking, but I just couldn't have said it that way."
TV Guide Magazine: What do you think viewers will be surprised to learn about you?
Lovato: I've said from Day 1, when [Britney] stepped on set, how funny she is. I don't think a lot of people have gotten to see her personality and her sense of humor.
Britney: The same about Demi. Even though she's really young, she has such a sophistication about her. She's cooler than me. Lovato: No, I'm not! Oh, my God!
Cowell: It's quite difficult sometimes when you've got singers judging other singers, because they can be selfish. And I've watched this very carefully; these two want to find a star. TV Guide Magazine: If The X Factor was around when you were both starting your careers, would you have auditioned?
Britney: Absolutely.
Lovato: And she would have won!
Cowell: I couldn't imagine trying to mentor these two. "Can you do this?" "No." "Will you listen to me?" "No."
Lovato: We would fight, totally. Actually, I think that when I was a little younger, I would just have taken it from Simon. And now, he's a coworker and he's fun. Actually, you're my boss, you're not a coworker.
Cowell: Yeah, you're my boss now!
http://www.tvguide.com/News/X-Factor...2-1052123.aspx
