Demi Lovato is closing a deal to join Britney Spears in the Judges’ seat for Season 2 of The X Factor!

There were two seats open after Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul left the show after season 1.  Rumor has it Simon Cowell is particular about his judges (and why shouldn’t he be?), and wants a brunette for the panel, perhaps to go along with the now-blonde Spears?

It’s hard to say.  Still, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the Lovato camp is in negotiations to have the 19-year-old star judge, in hopes that her youth appeal will be a pull for Cowell.  A younger judge could bring in a younger audience to the show.

L.A. Reid, Epic Records Chair, is staying on from season 1.

Photo: Fame/Flynet

$30 million dollars!!

Ryan Seacrest will be back as the American Idol host for two-more years, after signing a contract worth a reported $30 million!

The deal cements Ryan’s place for seasons 12 and 13.

While the judges seem to come and go, Seacrest has been with the show since it’s 2002 debut.

“It’s been a wild ride, and I’m excited for my journey with ‘American Idol’ to continue,” said Seacrest in a statement, calling it a “dream job.”

I think Ryan Seacrest is the only watchable part of ‘American Idol’ especially during the auditions!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Britney Spears is in final negotiations to fill one of the open judging seats on ‘The X Factor’! Apparently Britney’s fiance, Jason Trawick, is negotiating a contract to be signed as early as next week.

According to Deadline, the singer is reportedly being offered $10 million to join the show’s second season!

No official word from FOX has been released.

Would you be more inclined to watch if Britney was on the judging panel?

Lindsay Lohan just sat before Judge Stephanie Sautner for her probation progress report, and the judge proudly announced “You’re in the home stretch!”

TMZ reports Sautner was impressed, for the third time in a row, that Lindsay completed her required community service and therapy sessions. Sautner said, “You seem to be getting your life back on track.”

Lindsay only has one more progress hearing left, set for March 29th. She must complete her final 14 days of community service at the L.A. County morgue, and attend five more therapy sessions.

After she completes this, she’ll go on informal probation, meaning she just needs to obey all laws.

Photos: Fame/Flynet

Jessica Simpson is currently the ‘frontrunner’ to judge ‘The X Factor’.

Although buzz about which celebrities could join Simon Cowell’s new show The X Factor is already going strong, a new name has been added to the mix. Jessica Simpson is a frontrunner to become one of the judges alongside Cowell, a show insider tells PEOPLE.

“There [are] loads of conversations happening at the moment,” says the source. “No one has been offered a judging role yet as new names keep coming forward who want the role, but there are some frontrunners and it’s fair to say Jessica is one of them. She’s very keen.”

Simpson, 30, has the skills needed for this particular format, which features a $5 million recording contract as the grand prize, says the insider. Still, there are a lot of factors that go in to making the final choice.

“She knows what she is talking about [and] is talented and likable,” the source says. “But Simon’s not in a rush to decide. The judges have to mentor on The X Factor – it’s more than just turning up for a few hours a week to appear on TV.”

The judges will have to “work with contestants on music, dancers, styling,” the source continues. “It’s a lot of work.”

Photos: Fame, Source

Lately.

A judge commended Chris Brown Thursday for working hard to complete his probation for last year’s attack on then-girlfriend Rihanna.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg said the R&B singer has completed roughly 73 of 180 days of community service and is almost finished with his required domestic violence counseling.

“Out of thousands of probationers, no one has done a better or more consistent job than you have, and I really want to commend you for taking responsibility and for actually working diligently to complete all the things the court has required of you,” Schnegg told Brown during a brief hearing.

Brown is serving five years of probation after pleading guilty last year to assaulting Rihanna in a rented sports car after a pre-Grammy Awards party.

Schnegg has required Brown to perform physical labor, such as graffiti removal or roadside cleanup duties. She is allowing his work to be done in his home state of Virginia, but she requires the actor-singer to return to court frequently for progress reports.

“Obviously he’s gratified and he’s working hard to live up to everyone’s expectations,” said Brown’s attorney, Mark Geragos.

Source

Today Lindsay Lohan has to appear before Judge Eldon Fox in her probation violation hearing. She’ll either be sent back to jail – or sent back to rehab where she’s spent the last month or so.

Lindsay has to face the judge over her failed drug tests last month. Lindsay’s lawyer tried to meet with the judge early – and the judge refused.  Many experts believe the judge is not going to go easy on Lindsay this time around. Even though Lindsay has spent the last few weeks in rehab, that won’t make much difference, according to sources. Lindsay was obviously trying to make herself look good in the judges eye – and many think it’s not going to work.

Lindsay and her lawyers have arrived in court – and I’ll update you as soon as I know what the judge ruled!

Stay tuned.