As rumored, Britney Spears will not be returning to the X Factor next season, but it won’t be because she was fired by Simon Cowell. The pop princess announced that she is quitting the show to focus on her music career.

Oh, that’s what they all say. What? It is! I’m not making it up. I kid. But seriously, who ditches $15 million to sit and nod? OK, I’ll stop now! Either way, there will be another empty seat next to the one L.A. Reid left vacant. No word on if Demi Lovato has signed on for another season. But I’m sure she has since she’s the only one I hoped would get canned. Sigh.

TV Guide says that Britney quit the show to avoid being fired. But in the same story, quoted Fox’s Kevin Reilly saying Britney was a success to the show.

“I thought it went very, very well,” Reilly said. “It 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 bit higher, but I think it was a better show this year. I think she tucked in really nicely on the bench.”

What do you make of all this? Will you miss Britney on the panel? Who would be a good replacement?

Here we go. Time to start the X Factor judges rumor mill. As if the show wasn’t annoying enough, the post-season judge drama continues. First we learned that L.A. Reid was out and now reports are coming in that Britney Spears has been ditched by Simon Cowell and won’t be a part of X Factor 2013.

That should come as no surprise as I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say the show will be a revolving door of judges every season. And since Britney did almost nothing to earn her $15 million paycheck, her departure really shouldn’t surprise anyone.

“[Simon] wanted crazy Britney, but he got boring Britney,” a source told US Weekly, according to the Los Angeles Times.

There’s been no confirmation on Britney’s departure, but I think it’s probably more than just a rumor. As for Demi Lovato, there have been no rumors yet. But her bickering with Simon and outspoken attitude (and much lower paycheck) might keep her around for another season. As much as these stories kill me to report, we’ll keep you updated.

What did you think of Britney as a judge? Would you miss her as a judge and mentor?

On Thursday night, X Factor 2012 came to an exciting but predictable conclusion as the Season 3 winner was crowned.

It was all down to Fifth Harmony, Carly Rose Sonenclar and Tate Stevens. So who won X Factor 2012?

Tate Stevens, 37, walked away with the title. 13-year-old Carly Rose Sonenclar finished second and girl group Fifth Harmony came in third place.

At the start of the night, I got a little confused because it looked like we were watching a nightmare version of the MTV Music Award arrivals, but it was really just the X Factor producers trying something new. And by something new, I men a horribly fake and rehearsed red carpet event. The judges and finalists showed up in Escalades and Rolls Royces and were greeted and “interviewed” by Khloe and Mario.

The finalists actually sang on the red carpet (and by sing I mean lip sync terribly) as they made their way inside to the finale stage.

It was probably the worst opening to any TV show (finale or otherwise) in the history of the world. Ever. In the world. Ever. Ever.

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Tonight one of three finalists will be named X Factor 2o12 champion before a packed house in Los Angeles.

Will it be Fifth Harmony, Carly Rose Sonenclar or Tate Stevens? What did you decide, America, following last night’s finale performances?

We will soon find out. But first you’ve got two-hours of special performances and guests, including One Direction and Pitbull. Oh, and one of the cheesiest openings in TV history.

The X Factor 2012 Finale Results

• Third Place: Fifth Harmony
• Second Place: Carly Rose Sonenclar
• The X Factor 2012 WINNER: Tate Stevens

There you have it, America. What do you think of the results?

The X Factor 2012 Top 3 performed for America’s votes one final time Wednesday night and tonight one of those three will be crowned the winner of Season 3.

So who is it going to be? Fifth Harmony (mentored by Simon Cowell), Carly Rose Sonenclar (mentored by Britney Spears) or Tate Stevens (mentored by L.A. Reid)? I think after the night’s performances, it could be anyone’s game. Carly and a few iffy moments, Tate was slow and steady and Fifth Harmony shined. So there could have been a shift in votes.

According to our poll, you guys still think Carly is on top, with Tate coming in second and Fifth Harmony in third.

Aside from the naming of the new winner, the two-hour finale will include multiple performances by all the finalists and guest performers, including One Direction and Pitbull.

Be sure to check back here for live coverage of the X Factor 2012 live finale and a full recap of the show later.