Britney Spears doing 'X Factor' to 'give back' - Washington Post (blog)

Mariah Carey’s announcement might have been the big “news” of Fox’s day at Summer TV Press Tour 2012, but Britney Spears was the star.

Appearing via satellite with her fellow “X Factor” judges, Britbrit looked somewhat confused and unengaged, like she was having an out of body promotional experience.

Asked why she decided to sign on to become a judge on this Fox singing competition show, she responded that it was because she’d seen the show “a couple of times” â€" and was “such a fan” of the show.

Plus her makeup artist was also Simon’s makeup artist on the show, she said. So it all made sense, she continued, and besides, she “adores” Simon and “it was something I really wanted to do.”

One critic wondered what side of her, with which we’re not familiar, we will see on the show, Brit responded “I think this show has been really good for me to do because I’ve been able to help this talent come in and achieve their dreams. I started out at such a young age, and what you go through in achieving your dream, so being able to do this is a great experience for me.”

Another wondered what kind of music she likes and does not like. Brit said she’s a huge fan of hip hop, loves rap, likes “cabaret music,” loves “live music,” and loves “bands.”

Britbrit reportedly is being paid about $15 mil a year to do the reality series. Ask what this show is going to do for her career, Brit said. “Well, I’ve done eight tours, and I’ve been in the music industry for a while and feel like being able to be on a show where you can give back and help people achieve their dream… is different from anything I’ve ever done.”

When one critic asked specifically if she thinks it will help her album sales, she responded, “um, that’s not my intention. It’s purely just on the fact that I love the show.”