Britney Spears enjoys being a tyrant on ‘The X Factor’

If fans of “The X Factor” were expecting Britney Spears to play nice in her judging debut Wednesday night, they may have been surprised to discover that she’s gotten feisty in her (not exactly) old age. She compared one singer’s voice to Alvin and the Chipmunks, and described another as “Vanilla Ice meets Lauryn Hill meets ‘West Side Story.’ ” (We’re still trying to process that one, but we’re pretty sure she didn’t mean it as a compliment.)

During a visit to “Jimmy Kimmel Live” with fellow judge Simon Cowell, Spears confessed what was readily apparent to those who’d tuned in: She does enjoy being a tyrant on the show.

Of course, she put a sweet, Southern spin on the pleasure she gets from putting down contestants. “I would want to know [if I couldn’t sing],” Spears confessed in response to a leading question from Kimmel. “ I wouldn’t want to waste seven years of my life when I should be a doctor.”

Conversation turned to the subject of the show’s other new judge, Demi Lovato, who, like Spears, has weathered severe personal turmoil in the face of intense media scrutiny.

“I heard she’s a little loony,” said Kimmel, sensitive as ever.

“That was part of the attraction,” Cowell replied. “I like working with loony people.”

Spears couldn’t resist chiming in: “Oh, God. I’m great then.”

Britney, it’s good to have you back.

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