Britney Spears has made her debut on the "X-Factor show on Wednesday night and proved to be quite an honest and no-sugar-coating judge. The pop star, who now sits in the judging seat, once was on the other end and auditioned herself at a talent show at the age of 10.
Simon Cowell, the show's creator, is said to find Britney "meaner than" himself and a very good judge. Spears is reportedly earning $15 million while fellow new host, Disney star Demi Lovato, 20, is earning $1 million.
The singing show on Fox premiered its second season to shockingly low numbers compared with last year - which was itself considered a ratings disappointment. The two-hour extravaganza averaged 8.5 million viewers, down 32 percent compared with last fall's series premiere. It's NBC's rival singing contest "The Voice", with judges Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Ceelo and Blake Shelton got 10.7 million.
The winner for the night in terms of reality show programming was "America's Got Talent" with 11 million.
Britney Spears, the veteran 30-year-old pop star was a mere hopeful herself once, at age 10, when she performed on "Star Search" in 1992. Wearing a big bow and belting out a showtunes-style "Love Can Build A Bridge," little Brit ended up losing to challenger Marty Thomas.
Ed McMahon: "I noticed last week you have the most adorable, pretty eyes. You have a boyfriend?"
Spears: "No sir."
Ed McMahon: "Why not?"
Spears: "They're mean!"
Watch Britney Spears "Star Search" audition at the age of 10:
