Britney Spears gets X Factor support

Nicole Scherzinger is backing Britney Spears in her efforts to become an X Factor judge.

Scherzinger was a judge on last season's US version of Simon Cowell's TV reality singing contest, but left the programme to pursue other ambitions.

Spears is reportedly "closer than ever" to sealing a deal to become a panelist and the songstress has Scherzinger's support.

"I think that it's something that we can't deny, but there's something about Britney that we... are always rooting for her and behind her no matter what," she told E! Online. "Britney is so bubbly and warm and everyone loves her anyway, so she just has to be herself."

It was previously reported that Spears had been offered a $10 million contract for the second season of the talent show. However, it is now believed the figure is closer to $15 million - which would eclipse Jennifer Lopez's $12 million salary for American Idol.

Judge Simon Cowell is eager to sign Spears up before he finalises the rest of the panel.

Her partner, Jason Trawick, is believed to be handling the negotiations.

The first round of X Factor auditions began on March 1.

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