Simon dangles cash to lure Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani to 'X Factor' - Chicago Sun-Times

BY BILL ZWECKER bzwecker@suntimes.com May 1, 2012 8:13PM

GIMME MORE: Britney Spears reportedly will get $15 million to join Simon Cowell (pictured) on the judging panel of “The X Factor,” while Gwen Stefani is in the running to be the backstage host.

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Updated: May 1, 2012 8:56PM

I t’s a very good thing Simon Cowell has such deep pockets. I’m hearing the TV and music mogul is deeply concerned that without bankable star power on the second season of “The X Factor,” there might not be a third one.

Along those lines, Cowell is said to haved inked a reported $15 million deal with Britney Spears to replace Paula Abdul (supposedly paid “only” $2.5 million) on the “X” judging panel â€" and is also said to be seriously negotiating with Gwen Stefani for the backstage hosting gig formerly occupied by Welshman Steve Jones, who never clicked with U.S. audiences. Word has it, Stefani’s paycheck could be as much as $7 million.The Hollywood Reporter reported Tuesday that

Demi Lovato was in line to sign on as a fourth judge â€" who, along with Spears, would add a younger demographic to the “X Factor” judging panel. Other names mentioned recently have included Miley Cyrus and Fergie.

LOVITZ OUT LOUD: Funnyman Jon Lovitz has been dead serious lately in airing his criticism of President Obama, but even some of the comedian’s Republican pals supposedly are telling him to watch his mouth.

“It’s one thing to bash Obama on issues or policy, but [Lovitz’s recent] comments calling him an effing a-hole or a liar are really over the top,” said a longtime Lovitz pal who also happens to be a GOP supporter.

“He’s still our president, and everyone needs to respect the office, even if we don’t like the guy who’s occupying that office,” added the Hollywood producer. “[Noted Republicans]

Bruce Willis or Kelsey Grammer would never talk like that.”

† Meanwhile, the president’s Hollywood support from the likes of George Clooney (who already has sold out a $10 million fund-raiser at his home on May 10), Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Eva Longoria is expected to be targeted by the GOP this fall, “something of an offset to that elitist label the Democrats are slapping on Mitt Romney,” a key Illinois Republican strategist told me Tuesday.

BOBBY & BOBBI : Bobby Brown’s intent in giving that two-part interview to Matt Lauer (airing on “Today” Wednesday and Thursday) was to offset the public impression his bad influence on ex-wife Whitney Houston ultimately led to her long battle with drugs and her death. Brown told Lauer, “I’m not the reason she’s gone,” adding that Houston was hooked on serious drugs like cocaine “way before” he knew her and claiming he only “smoked weed” and drank beer before meeting his future wife.

† While Brown was joined by his children Landon, Bobby Jr. and La’Princia for the segment airing Thursday, Bobbi Kristina, his only child with Houston, did not participate. Though they lunched last week â€" an awkward meal, according to witnesses â€" Brown and Bobbi Kristina remain estranged, despite his claims to the contrary.

SCARY PLACE: Along with the “Goretorium” that gory filmmaker Eli Roth (“Hostel,” “Grindhouse”) is opening in Las Vegas this fall, there’s word the horror-meister also is looking to open haunted houses in London, Tokyo, New York and Chicago. If they’re anything like his twisted, blood-soaked movies, be expected to scream a lot once you cross the threshold! GEM OF A NIGHT: Among the auction items at the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Rita Hayworth Chicago Gala is a custom diamond necklace designed by Rona Pfeiffer, worn by her sister-in-law Michelle Pfeiffer in the upcoming “Dark Shadows.”

Rona Pfeiffer has a poignant connection to the May 12 event, as her own father, Dr. Nathan Ilanit, is living with Alzheimer’s.

SEEN ON THE SCENE: Ran into Charles Tillman, Devin Heste r and Israel Idonije at an early screening at the AMC River East of “The Avengers” (opening Friday). The three Bears loved the special 3-D glasses (representing the various superheroes in the flick, like the Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man or Thor) â€" and took them home to their kids. … Among those catching the final performances of Rick Bayless in “Cascabel” at Lookingglass Theatre were Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Vince Vaughn and NPR’s Scott Simon and Peter Sagal.