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As much as we hate to repeat ourselves: Britney Spears is leaving The X Factor. The singer released this statement:

“I’ve made the very difficult decision not to return for another season. I had an incredible time doing the show and I love the other judges and I am so proud of my teens but it’s time for me to get back in the studio. Watching them all do their thing up on that stage every week made me miss performing so much! I can’t wait to get back out there and do what I love most.”

A Fox rep confirmed the news. For more details and analysis, see our story on the matter from yesterday.

Image Credit: Fox

So after three cities on The X Factor‘s nationwide audition tour, how is Britney Spears doing as a judge of eager singing talent?

Sources say the pop princess was a bit shy at first, but has since become downright “blunt” in her assessment of contestants. “Everyone was kinda shocked at how tough she was and how she wasn’t scared to say it straight,” a source says from the set.

So far Spears has tended to prefer “exciting” contestants who are visually appealing and charismatic performers rather than those who simply possess a fine voice. “She knows it takes more than having a good singing voice and that you have to be entertaining and have that ‘wow’ factor,” the source says. “She can really tell the difference between a good singer and a great performer.”

Spears’ favorite rejection? “Too boring.”

The new judge also isn’t swayed by heartfelt appeals. “The judges always ask [contestants] a few questions before they sing and Britney makes it clear that she isn’t interested in sob stories or people who try to get a sympathy vote,” the source says. “She’s always compassionate and understanding but she is always totally focused on their performance and talent.”

Here are some of Spears’ reactions to contestants from The X Factor set: READ FULL STORY »