Pop star Britney Spears is said to be close to signing a deal to be a new judge on Season 2 of “The X Factor” when it returns later this year.
The deal — which is reportedly being negotiated by Spears’ fiance Jason Trawick — could be signed as early as next week, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Various sources have reported that Spears was approached directly by series creator Simon Cowell. In the past month, Cowell has claimed to be “fascinated” by the singer in interviews.
Industry gossip site deadline.com reports that Spears is being offered $10 million to be a judge on the show — which is on par with what her former “Mickey Mouse Club” co-star Christina Aguilera is expected to make for next season of NBC’s “The Voice” — and only $2 million less than what Jennifer Lopez got for “American Idol” last season.
Spears is going through extensive media training, THR says, in preparation for joining Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid and Cowell — the two remaining Season 1 judges after Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger were cut loose after the end of the first season following lower than expected ratings.
Steve Jones was also fired as the show’s host.
If Spears does sign on to “The X Factor,” it would be perfect music label synergy, since her current label RCA Records also holds “X Factor” singers’ exclusive music rights.
The possible identity of the fourth judge is still unknown.
An “X Factor” spokeswoman refused to confirm or comment on Spears’ casting speculation. Fox had no comment yesterday.