Fox Boss Kevin Reilly Defends Britney Spears on THE X FACTOR

Rumors of X FACTOR judge Britney Spears exiting the show have run rampant in recent weeks, with sources saying one thing, and FOX execs saying another.

According to TV Guide.com, FOX chairman Kevin Reilly spoke about the upcoming third season of The X Factor at the TCA, and claims that neither he nor Simon Cowell have discussed potential openings on the judge's panel (aside from L.A. Reid, who will most definitely not be back).

Though many hoped Spears would be the show's much-needed ratings boost, it wasn't necessarily the case. Reilly, however, is not deterred.

"I thought it went very, very well," Reilly said. "[The season] was fraught with unknowns, and I think Britney did a very good job. People are fascinated with her and always will be. Last year the ratings were a little but higher, but I think it was a better show this year. I think she tucked in really nicely on the bench."

Recently, Cowell continued on with the public displays of indecisiveness, telling E! Online, that he and Spears had not yet discussed her potential return for the 2013 season.

"I don't know yet, to be honest with you," Cowell said. "I haven't had the conversation with her whether she'd want to, what other commitments she's got."

BWW TV World will keep you updated as the judge's panel for next season unravels - or reforms - in the coming months.

The X Factor was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Nigel Hall are executive producers for Syco Television. Trish Kinane, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America. "Like" The X Factor on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. Follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA and join the discussion at #xfactor.

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