X-tra spicy judges. X-ceptional talent. X-cellent television! Canada’s #1 new program overall and #1 new reality series last season, THE X FACTOR is back with vengeance as superstar judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on the series. After averaging 1.9 million viewers last year, the hit singing competition series kicks off its sophomore season bigger and better than ever before, with a show-stopping, two-day premiere event, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and continuing Thursday Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Two (visitCTV.ca and CTV.ca/Two to confirm local listings).

Following Simon Cowell’s visit to CTV headquarters in Toronto this past summer, Canada’s most-watched entertainment program ETALK landed the only one-on-one sit down interview with one of television’s most well-known and controversial judges. Catch Ben Mulroney’s exclusive interview, in which they discuss everything from revealing hidden cameras the show uses to shoot the contestants, to former CANADIAN IDOL star Carly Rae Jepsen, during an online-only web special premiering Friday September 7, 2012 on CTV.ca/xfactor.

Amidst the format shakeups and judging changes, here’s what the media, new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato, and the always outspoken Simon Cowell have to say:

Media:

“…If first impressions mean anything, it’s going to be a very intriguing conversation when the second season of the show debuts…” – Bill Harris, Sun Media

“Former pop princess Britney Spears is giving Cowell, the brutal British TV celebrity judge, a run for his money in her new job on the panel of U.S. talent show The X Factor.” – Jill Serjeant, Reuters

New judges from THE X FACTOR:

“You can’t destroy that song sweetie.” – Britney Spears to a singing hopeful

“You need to take a breath mint if you’re going to get that close to my face.” – Demi Lovato to Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell:

“The number one person I ever wanted on one of these shows was Britney, because I’m fascinated with her as a person and as a pop star…. And she’s a really, really good judge.” –Simon Cowell

THE X FACTOR judges travelled across America searching for undiscovered talent who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true. In a departure from other singing competition series, contestants audition for the judges while in front of an audience of thousands, raising the stakes and increasing the pressure. This is the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma, and stage presence that it takes to become a global superstar or breakout music group and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

Hopefuls who pass the initial auditions travel to Los Angeles for “boot camp” beginning Wednesday, Oct. 3 on CTV and continuing Thursday, Oct. 4 on CTV Two. The contestants face the panel of judges and a live audience as they are judged on singing, dancing and overall performance styles.

Those who make it through “boot camp” earn a place in one of four categories. Each category grouping then visits the judge’s homes where each judge is joined by a celebrity mentor to help decide who will move on to the live shows. This season, rumours are swirling that worldwide singing phenomenon Justin Bieber is allegedly pairing up with L.A. Reid, while the youngest of the pop-rock band Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas, teams up with Demi Lovato.

THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America.

Ratings source: BBM Canada, BY2011-12: 9/19/2011 – 5/23/2012, Performance Shows