Britney Spears is allegedly set to be axed from 'The X Factor' USA.

The 'Hold It Against Me' singer - who acted as a judge on the second series of the FOX reality TV show alongside Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and L.A. Reid - is reportedly unlikely to have her contract renewed after disappointing producers with her ''low energy'' and providing ''boring'' feedback to contestants.

Simon Cowell has lost $20,000 in a bet with L.A. Reid.

'The X Factor' USA mentors reportedly placed the wager at the beginning of the second series - which came to an end on Thursday (20.12.12) - that one of their act's would be crowned the winner, which would see the victorious judge win $20,000.

Simon Cowell has revealed L.A. Reid is already regretting quitting 'The X Factor' USA.

The songwriter announced last week he would leave the show's judging panel at the end of the second series to concentrate on his job as chairman of Epic Records, but head judge Simon doesn't think L.A. has come to terms with his departure.

Demi Lovato will duet with Fifth Harmony in the 'X Factor' USA final - because she ''didn't have anything else to do''.

Show chief Simon Cowell - who is the group's mentor -joked it was ''irritating'' to have his fellow judge work with his act, but felt it best she had something to occupy her time because she has no contestants left in the competition.

Brandy Norwood and Jordin Sparks led a tribute to Whitney Houston last night (16.12.12).

The singers took the stage at the 'VH1 Divas' show at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles to pay homage to the late music icon, who died on February 11, aged 48.