It’s Official: Britney Spears OUT From The X Factor

News has been circulating recently and rumors have been swirling that The X Factor wasn’t interested in bringing Britney Spears back and that Britney wasn’t interested in returning. It was only a matter of how the story will be spun when it was official. It seems as if Britney is making the call. In a statement released Friday afternoon, Spears announced that she will not opt to sign a new contract with The X Factor.

“I’ve made the very difficult decision not to return for another season. I had an incredible time doing the show and I love the other judges and I am so proud of my teens but it’s time for me to get back in the studio. Watching them all do their thing up on that stage every week made me miss performing so much! I can’t wait to get back out there and do what I love most.”

Reports claim that Spears is actually trying to drum up a permanent gig in Las Vegas, but there are also reports saying she’s hoping to return to acting. Reportedly, Spears will be represented by CAA and is looking to sign on for a comedy series. Initially, sources claimed that Simon and X Factor producers didn’t get the Britney persona they wanted – hence the not so stellar reviews and ratings for Season 2 of the singing competition. With Reid and Spears now officially out, Simon will have to fill at least 2 seats on the table. Last we heard, Demi Levato was looking to sign her contract and stick around for already renewed Season 3.