Britney Spears arrived for her first day of shooting as a judge on The X Factor on Thursday (May 24). We’re sure that just like us common folk, the pop star had the same first day of work jitters with thoughts of, “Will I like my coworkers?” “What’s a good place around here to get lunch?” “Where’s the coffee machine?” Except, you know, Brit’s pulling in roughly $1 million a week. Perhaps the cha-ching is why the Femme Fatale looked so calm as she greeted fans waiting outside the audition taping in Austin, Texas. Check out Britney looking beyond amazing in her super sexy, hot pink dress.

Brit is here to judge you

6 Photos »

Did You Hear?

:: Adele and LMFAO won big, Whitney Houston and Donna Summer were honored, and now even Katy Perry‘s grandmother knows who Carly Rae Jepsen is. Check out all the fashion, performances and winners of last night’s 2012 Billboard Music Awards. [Idolator]

:: Britney Spears is already catching premature flack for her X Factor hosting gig, with everyone from Kathy Griffin to Wendy Williams wondering if she’s lucid enough to handle the duties. Which must be nice for Demi Lovato, since, for once, nobody’s focusing on her public meltdown. [The Prophet Blog]

:: Aliens who attempt to take over the world get punched by Will Smith. Ukranian men who are overzealous in showing their affection for the Men in Black III star get backhanded. Are we all clear on this?  [Rap Radar]

:: “Fantabuloso” is pretty much the only suitable word to describe the leopard-print shirt Adam Lambert wore to the 103.5 KISS FM 2012 Fantabuloso Concert. [Just Jared]

:: Is it just us, or has Lil Wayne been in trouble with the law, like, a milli times? [Popdust]

After the jump, find out which music acts will be hitting the tube today.

Music on TV:

:: Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) — Lea Michele
:: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC) — Miranda Cosgrove, Slash
:: Live With Kelly — Robin Thicke
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Gavin DeGraw

Fox really digs Britney Spears. Pop’s femme fatale was officially confirmed as a judge for the upcoming second season of The X Factor when she stood along side Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and fellow newbie Demi Lovato at the network’s upfront presentation in New York yesterday. And now word has come that she’ll be honored with yet another Glee tribute episode. Making life easier for all Britney fans, Glee will move from Tuesday nights to Thursdays next season (when the Brit-Brit episode will air), and will follow The X Factor‘s results show time slot each week.

Entertainment Weekly reports that eight of Spears’ songs will appear in the second episode of Season 4 when Glee returns in the fall. And while the “I Wanna Go” minx is currently not attached to appear in the episode this time around (as she did two years ago) Glee execs are “hoping to work out a deal.”

Britney looks fierce at the fox upfronts

9 Photos »

Spears’ first Glee tribute episode, “Britney/Brittany”, aired in September 2010, and the cast covered five jams from the singer’s catalog of hits in it: “Stronger”, “…Baby One More Time”, “Toxic”, “I’m a Slave 4 U”, and “Me Against the Music”.

Which Britney songs would you like to see covered on the show this time around? (Can we get votes in for “Radar” and “Hold It Against Me”, please?) Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!

Britney Spears was all smiles on Monday (May 14) at the Fox Upfronts. And why shouldn’t she be — Brit just inked a deal for a whopping $15 million to judge on The X Factor. Perhaps to celebrate the momentous occasion or, you know, to flaunt the fact that she now has the extra dough to change her outfit just as many times as she pleases, the pop star was spotted later in a purple, curve-hugging Alexander Wang dress as she posed for photogs. (Her strappy shoes, however, stayed the same.)

How the Femme Fatale will perform as a judge remains to be seen, but speculate below as to which ensemble you liked best on Ms. Spears.

Britney arrives in white to upfronts

10 Photos »

It doesn’t get more official than this. Reports of Britney Spears and Demi Lovato joining the judges’ panel on The X Factor have been confirmed by a twitpic, uploaded on Britney’s Twitter with the hashtag’s #britneyxfactor and #SimonBritneyDemiLA. The pop stars, posing alongside their co-judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, are in New York for Fox’s Upfront Presentation, during which the network’s upcoming season is announced.

Brit Looks Bootilicious At Fox Upfronts

10 Photos »

“I couldn’t be more excited to join The X Factor judging panel,” Spears said in a statement. “I’m a huge fan of the show and now I get to be a part of the action. Simon and L.A. better watch out!”

Demi echoes her enthusiasm: “I’m so thrilled to join this legendary group of judges on [the show],” she says. “To be able to spend each week with Simon, L.A. and Britney watching the best that America has to offer is truly a dream come true.”

Reports that Cowell was hoping to nab Spears for the show have been circling ever since the firings of former judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul. After being offered $10 million for the gig, Britney reportedly demanded $16 million instead. She ultimately walked away with a payday of $15 million for one season of work. (Way to haggle her down, X Factor.)

Will you be helping boost the show’s ratings in its second season now that Britney and Demi are on board? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.

One week ago today, the music world lost Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch following his three-year battle with cancer. It was a major blow to fans of the trio whose music had soundtracked the past 26 years. Additionally, The Voice finally wrapped up Season 2 this week, but not without a few barbs coming from — and aimed at — Christina Aguilera. And along those lines, it seems Xtina isn’t the only former member of Mickey Mouse’s club who we’ll see in a judge’s chair on a TV singing competition. Head below to see how pop’s movers and shakers ranked on our weekly Pop & Fizz chart!

To see exactly how these artists entered the hype index, check below.

• Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch Dead At 47
• Britney Spears Reportedly Signs Deal With The X Factor
• No Doubt Announce Album Release Date
• Lady Gaga On The Simpsons: Watch A Preview
• Rihanna Gets Cheeky In Short Shorts For Terry Richardson
• Justin Bieber Performs “Boyfriend” On The Voice Finale: Watch
• Whitney Houston To Be Honored On VH1 Divas
• The Voice: Jermaine Paul Wins Season 2
• The Wanted Slam Christina Aguilera All Over Again
• The Voice: Christina Aguilera And Adam Levine Have “99 Problems” In The Finale

How did this week’s chart stack up for you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments.

No offense to Nicole Scherzinger or Paula Abdul, but Simon Cowell just scored himself a serious upgrade for his X Factor judging panel. Britney Spears has reportedly signed a contract to appear as a judge on the televised reality show, reports E! Online. Spears signed the deal this week, securing herself $15 million for one season’s work, making her the highest paid judge in reality TV.

“She’s ready for this,” an insider says. “She can’t wait to sit down next to Simon at the judges’ table and give this everything she’s got. She is excited about showing the world that she can do this, and do this well. This is the perfect next stage in her career. Both Britney and Simon are very excited to work together.” We’re just excited at the possibility of Britney finally being able to fully speak her mind, even if it results in not-so-eloquent bon mots.

This will be Britney’s first project in television since her 2005 reality show Britney And Kevin: Chaotic, which lasted only five episodes on UPN. The singer’s fiance Jason Trawick, who was recently appointed her co-conservator, will also be joining the The X Factor has a producer.

Cowell is still looking for a fourth judge to join him, Spears and L.A. Reid on the panel. Both Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato have been mentioned as possible contenders, though neither singer’s reps have confirmed or denied their possible involvement in the show.

Does Britney’s involvement in the show make you want to tune into The X Factor‘s second season?

britney through the years

30 Photos »

If anyone knows a thing or two about all things smokin’ hot, it’s the Victoria’s Secret Angels. And so the lingerie company employed its crew of scantily-clad beauties to name the sexiest women in the world (move over, People) in a new video clip. Among the newly-minted pulse-increasing ladies were “Till The World Ends” hit-maker Britney Spears, who was named Sexiest Songstress, and Ms. Beyonce Knowles, aka Sexiest Mom.

Watch the Angels anoint the sexiest women above, and let us know if you agree with their choices.

30 hot britney photos in honor of her turning the big 3-0

30 Photos »

For every Britney Spears album released, there seem to have been at least handful of recorded tunes that didn’t make the cut. The latest such shelved mystery is “This Kiss”, which is doing the rounds online and is said to be an unreleased track from the Circus era (i.e. it was recorded sometime around 2008). It’s a cutesy little number with squeaky, blipping synths, laser gun noises and vocal effects that makes Spears sound as if she’s singing underwater. Lyrically, “This Kiss” is pretty basic (“Right when I saw the door, you walked in an I fell to the floor” is just one sampling.) But the tune should give Brit’s fans something to buzz about during her latest between-albums lull. Listen below!

What do you think of “This Kiss”? Are you surprised it didn’t wind up on Britney’s Circus LP?

Brit's hottest music video looks

7 Photos »

Did You Hear?

:: Jason Trawick has been officially added as his fiance Britney Spears‘ co-conservator, meaning he will now help decide how Britney earns and spends her money. Brit’s dad Jamie Spears, who is reportedly “thrilled” with the decision, will continue to be a co-conservator as well. [TMZ]

:: Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber will briefly appear as aliens in the new Men In Black 3 film. Don’t be too excited, it’s more a of a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo. But still, Pitbull didn’t make the cut? Doesn’t recording the movie’s theme song mean anything?! [Popdust]

:: Bop your head to Avicii‘s new single, “Silhouettes.” [Arjan Writes]

:: As if you needed more proof that Ke$ha is all class, girl uploads a photo of her peeing in a street. [Huffington Post]

:: Mariah Carey hits the studio with Rick Ross — and some amazing 90s hair. Work that perm, Mimi! [Rap-Up]

Below, find out which music acts will be appearing on the tube today. 

Music on TV:

:: Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Moby
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) —  We Are Augustines
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Adam Lambert
:: Conan (TBS) — Ingrid Michaelson
:: Ellen DeGeneres (ABC) — Adam Levine, Sophia Grace & Rosie

Sam Tsui’s mash-ups and medleys have made him a YouTube star, and rightfully so — the singer, who records various incarnations of himself performing just about every vocal harmony, melody and beat of pop songs, is not only extremely talented, but extremely prolific. He has dozens upon dozens of clips of his unique covers, with the latest being a truly epic medley of Britney Spears‘ songbook. Check it out above, and head over to his YouTube page for much, much more. Can we get this guy on The Voice already? [Via Buzzfeed]

Britney Spears has already has already grabbed enough headlines in Las Vegas — lest you forget, she married childhood friend Jason Alexander there in 2004, and celebrated her engagement to Jason Trawick (as well as her 30th birthday) at the Planet Hollywood Casino and Hotel last December. But Brit’s most memorable experience in Sin City might be as a resident headliner at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Rumors of Spears having her own Las Vegas residency began last year after a performance at the Palms. According to Las Vegas Journal Review, the pop star’s manager Larry Rudolph has been in talks with Hard Rock Hotel for the rumored X Factor judge to have her own residency, though the length of the residency (and the amount of money she’d earn) was not mentioned. ”The queen of pop will be the queen of the Hard Rock if all goes according to plan,” says a source. 

Honestly, Vegas is more than appropriate a setting for a Britney stage show. If you saw the Femme Fatale tour, it was full of costume changes, larger-than-life set-pieces, loads of dancing (from her backup dancers if not from Brit herself), a campy, over-the-top tone, and, most importantly, hit songs that people love. The real question is, why didn’t this happen sooner? 

britney spears brings it on her femme fatale tour

9 Photos »

Over the course of a 65-year career in the entertainment industry, Dick Clark was bound to make some famous friends. The television and music mogul rubbed shoulders with artists long after he discovered or promoted them on his radio show, American Bandstand and annual New Year’s Eve spectacles, which is one reason so many artists are mourning his death. We’ve collected a gallery of photos of Clark hobnobbing with some of the biggest and most influential artists of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s to represent his impact across so many generations. One thing is clear — if you have a hit on the radio, chances are you’ve met Dick Clark.

dick clark's life and times

9 Photos »

You’ve seen Britney Spears dance, now watch her twist! The maybe X Factor judge gave Extra a backstage peek at the filming of her Twister Dance remix video for “Till The World Ends.” Directed by Ray Kay, who worked on the original 2011 apocalyptic video, the new version cuts the song to hit the beats of the dance-along game. Players will be able to follow Britney’s moves at home — something her son Sean Preston knows all about.

“Me and my children we play tons of games all the time, but our favorite thing to do is definitely dance,” Britney says, sporting black leggings, a loose vest and (get this) a $20,000 sports bra made by Body Rock Sport by Kelly Dooley.

britney's hot twister bod

4 Photos »

Following blowback last year that the original video didn’t feature Britney dancing her best, a “Till The World Ends” director’s cut was released, featuring extended choreography and dance scenes. Perhaps heading off future criticisms, director Ray Kay says of his plans for the Twister Dance remix, “I think it’s going to be fun to focus it in even more on dance and really give the fans something to talk about.”

Hasbro announced in February that Britney had signed on to help rejuvenate the classic game. In addition to the “Till The World Ends” remix video, the Femme Fatale will appear in dance instruction videos and promotional materials for the brand.

Will you be picking up a copy of Britney’s Twister Dance? Tell us in the comments below, or on Facebook and Twitter.

Most artists would give their left arm to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. But not Axl Rose! He’d rather be seen on a T-shirt worn by Lana Del Rey these days. His letter to the Hall, Madonna‘s record-breaking album sales drop, Britney Spears‘ rumored X Factor salary and the announcement of three (!!) new albums from Green Day are what had people talking this week. See where each of these music movers and shakers landed on our Pop & Fizz ranking below!

To see exactly how these artists entered the hype index, check below.

• Axl Rose Declines Induction Into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame: Read His Letter
• Eminem Will Join Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre At Coachella
• Lollapalooza 2012 Lineup: Florence + The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Calvin Harris & Fun.
• Nicki Minaj’s Roman Reloaded Debuts At #1, Madonna’s MDNA Suffers Huge Drop
• B.o.B & Taylor Swift’s “Both Of Us”: Listen
  
• Britney Spears To Receive $15 Million To Become A Judge On The X Factor
• Green Day Announce Plans To Release Album Trilogy
  
• Nicki Minaj On Nightline: Don’t Compare Her To Lady Gaga (Watch)
  
• One Direction & Simon Cowell Facing Lawsuit Over Band Name
  
• Damon Albarn Confirms The End Of Gorillaz And Blur
  

How did this week’s chart stack up for you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments.

Did You Hear?

:: Britney Spears is looking good! The pop star shared some super hot pictures from the shoot of her Twister Dance game, and she looks amazing. Do we get a body as hot as hers if we play? [Pop Crush]

:: Beyonce‘s new Tumblr has given us a look at some of the star’s personal photos, and now she’s shared a handwritten letter addressed to the First Lady. Though no explanation was offered, Bey may have posted it because she wanted to show her support for Michelle after we learned that President Obama prefers Jay-Z over Kanye. [Pink Is The New Blog]

:: Apparently Drake‘s Bar Mitzvah in his “HYFR” video isn’t exactly what a normal Bar Mitzvah is like, and it’s left some a little disappointed. Oy vey. [MTV Buzzworthy]

:: Rihanna abruptly ended her interview with a morning talk show in Australia after she was asked about her past relationships. Hey at least she wasn’t smashing windows like somebody we know… [E! Online]

:: Just how popular is One Direction? Popular enough to get $100,000 on eBay for a piece of toast nibbled on by one of the band members. First of all: wow. Second of all: ew. [Spin]

After the jump, find out which music acts you can find on the tube today.

Music on TV:

:: Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) — Bonnie Raitt
:: Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Far East Movement
:: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC) — The Fray
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) — Bear Hands
:: Conan (TBS) — Arctic Monkeys

In the last few years, Britney Spears has kept interviews to a minimum, and even the chats she gave seemed to be lacking depth. Finally, it looks like Brit will be free to speak her mind — and help aspiring singers in the process. Though neither Fox nor Spears’ reps have yet to confirm the news, E! Online reports that the pop star and producers of The X Factor have agreed on a $15 million payday for Britney to join the show as a judge. (That buys a whole lot of vanilla-scented candles!) If this comes to pass, Spears will be the highest paid judge on reality TV, beating out Jennifer Lopez‘s $12 millon fee she gets for her work on American Idol. 

Spears was reportedly offered $10 million to join the US edition of the competition show for its second season, a smart move for a show which struggled finding a die-hard audition for its debut season. Britney’s team responded by demanding $16 million, and it appears that a compromise was reached at $15 million. “All they need to do now is work out the smaller points,” says a source. “The fact the money is now set, means that there is nothing stopping this from becoming a reality.

It also looks like Britney can carpool to work with her fiance (and most likely her co-conservator) Jason Trawick. Jason will reportedly come on board The X Factor as a producer. Says the source, “Jason is expected to be there every day Britney is on set. He is her rock and will help guide her through the process. He is the person she trusts the most.”

A production insider adds, “It’ll be a fun project and [Britney] is welcoming the chance to mentor up-and-coming artists. She loves the idea of helping emerging talent get the recognition they deserve and is really looking forward to being on the show.”

In addition to hiring Britney, Simon Cowell is also hiring an additional judge, and two more hosts. Though honestly, do you even need (or can afford) another judge when you’ve got Britney on your panel? 

During Madonna’s Q&A session last night on Twitter, she tweeted at dozens of her fans… and a few more well-known names, too. The Material Girl tweeted at Lionel Richie, Kelly Ripa, Anderson Cooper, and even declared her love to Skrillex. “I worship you,” she wrote. “Why won’t you open up for one of my shows?” (No word on whether the Grammy-winning EDM artist is as upset at her molly remarks as his peers.) But by far the best back-and-forth was with Madge’s pop buddy, Britney Spears.

Though the MDNA artist said in a Nightline interview this past January that she wouldn’t kiss Spears again – “I don’t like to repeat myself” – looks like she changed her mind! Check out Madonna and Britney’s full correspondence… feel free to act this out as a one-act play with a friend!

Britney: @MadonnaMDNAday love the new album – every single song is incredible. congrats girl!
Madonna: @britneyspears please come on stage and kiss me again. I miss you!!
Britney: @MadonnaMDNAday Tempting…
Madonna: @britneyspears Are you gonna make me work for this?
Britney:@MadonnaMDNAday Why of course!

Get a room (or a joint number at the VMAs), you two!

Madonna also tweeted to our President (using the hashtag #Obama2012), imploring him to come to her tour stop in the nation’s capital. “#Obama2012 are you coming to my show in Washington D.C.? Make a girl from Detroit happy.”

If we witnessed footage of the Obama family rocking out to Madonna live in concert, that would make a pop blog from Hollywood very happy, too!

Kelly Clarkson’s tour in support of album Stronger is winding down, but while on stage at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre last night, the vocal powerhouse ensured that she’ll definitely be going out with a bang. Kelly sat on a stool and busted out, of all things, a soulful rendition of Britney Spears’ 2011 summer jam “Till The World Ends”. “I know you know this song,” Clarkson said on stage. “I’m expecting everybody on these ‘ohs’.” Watch her take on Britney’s hit, as well as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston’s Prince Of Egypt duet “When You Believe” with her old pal Tamyra Gray, and The Wreckers’ “Leave The Pieces” (with Michelle Branch, no less) below.

Kelly Clarkson — ”Till The World Ends”

Kelly Clarkson & Tamyra Gray — ”When You Believe”

Kelly Clarkson & Michelle Branch — ”Leave The Pieces”

Another cover Kelly tackled during her stop in L.A. was Carrie Underwood’s tearjerker “I Know You Won’t.” Additionally, Clarkson teamed up once again with Blake Shelton on stage to sing her award-winning Jason Aldean duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay”, and brought out Reba McEntire for “Because Of You”.

[Via ONTD]

Did You Hear?

:: Ricky Martin poses with his partner and twin boys for the first time on the cover of Spanish Vanity Fair, a photo shoot during which no one made them take their clothes off and go dancing in the rain. [E! Online]

:: Britney Spears reportedly “impressed” her conservatorship judge. (Clearly she didn’t mention that whole “I’m in love with a criminal,” knocking over a convenience store episode.) [TMZ]

:: Brooklyn synthpop band Chairlift has released a pretty cool “choose your own adventure” video for “Met You.”  Which makes us wish we could go back and make all videos like this — because we could find ourselves in some serious shenanigans navigating our own way through Madonna’s “Girl Gone Wild.” [The Guardian]

:: After telling us Trespassing will arrive around “Mapril,” Adam Lambert now says it’s looking more like May. Which is fine, as long as he doesn’t keep pushing it back to Jugust or Auptember. [YouTube]

:: Dr. Dre is putting on a new hat — film producer. He’s making the horror flick Thaw, about “an ancient evil unearthed from a glacier.” We’re guessing Lil Kim is at the top of his list as far as casting that role goes? [MTV]

After the jump, find out which music acts you can find on the tube today.

Music On TV:

:: Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) — Die Antwoord (repeat)
:: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Christina Aguilera, Melanie Fiona, J. Cole
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC) — Allen Stone
:: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC) — Dr. Dog
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) — Mastodon
:: Chelsea Lately (E!) — Shirley Manson (repeat)
:: The Ellen Show (syndicated) — Carly Rae Jepsen, Justin Bieber
:: Live with Kelly (syndicated) — Taylor Swift
:: The View (ABC) — The Cranberries