‘The X Factor’ ~ Does Cowell Think Hiring Spears Was a ‘Mistake?’

Just weeks after Spears was announced to join the judges panel with Cowell, LA Reid, and Demi Levato, rumors about Britney’s judging abilities are already flying. When The X Factor was in Austin, TX for their first taping of the LIVE auditions last week, a witness in the audience noted that Spears immediately left her seat at the judges table after a contestant botched her hit single, “Hold It Against Me.” According to reports, Spears missed the next four auditions after abandoning her post. Questions lingered if Spears would be returning to her seat. She later tweeted, “LOL was just taking a little break people,” in the midst of tweets expressing how excited she was to be a part of the show, as well as praising the talent in Austin.

Now, a source tells US Weekly, that Simon Cowell is questioning his decision to hire the pop star, wondering if it was a “mistake.” While Britney’s commitment has been in question, her judging style is already taking center stage. According to reports, Britney is going a direction apart from Reid, Cowell, and Levato. Britney always seems to say nice things about each hopeful, going so far to tell a supposed mediocre singer that he could be bigger than Justin Bieber. That particular comment allegedly had Simon Cowell shocked.

What do you think Britney and X Factor fans? Is this much ado about nothing or was bringing Spears on board really a gamble for Simon? Are you planning on watching this fall when The X Factor returns to Fox? Let us know your thoughts below!