Search for the second X Factor winner

MANILA, Philippines - Season One judge-mentors Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid are back and now joined by Demi Lovato and Britney Spears as new judges of The X Factor USA, which premiered on Studio 23 recently, to search for an out-of-this-world 12 years old or over talent who is bold enough to face the judges and the fifth judge, the audience.

Aside from the singing acts that wowed the crowd with their vocal ability, charisma and stage presence, fans saw how Demi and Britney got along and reacted with their co-judges especially with the ever-unapologetic Simon.

“So far everything has been so much fun for all of us. Everything is like a new experience for me. It’s a lot of fun and the talents are amazing,” shared Britney.

Simon earlier commended the girls, in an interview with People.com, for doing a great job. He even quipped that Britney, after taping a few episodes, turned out to be quite mean and very difficult to please. Demi, on the other hand, he said, was quite annoying. “I thought she was very confident, very bright, then became quite annoying, but knew what she was talking about,” explained Simon.

When it comes to their judging, Britney described her style as “subtle” and that she will try to use constructive criticisms, while Demi put it as “happy” and “really honest.”

Simon also revealed that more of the mentoring process can also be expected this season. “A lot of what we did was off-camera. I think the mentoring process, how we actually work with the artists, how they interact with each other, where they’re staying, is an important part of this show. I think all that process has to be shown.”

Last season, Melanie Amaro was crowned winner and Simon, who mentored Melanie and the rest of the Girls, came out on top. But will one of the other judges dethrone him this year? Who among the contestants are worthy of the $5-M recording contract with Syco/Sony Music?

But before the whole world meets the second The X Factor USA winner, Filipinos will first meet the first grand winner of The X Factor Philippines, hosted by KC Concepcion and airing weekends on ABS-CBN. The finale is getting nearer as only five finalists compete for the title.

The X Factor USA 2 airs Thursday and Friday nights at 7, with the same-day encore run at 10:30 p.m.