Simon Cowell quashes UK media Britney blasts for 'X-Factor'

By April MacIntyre Dec 1, 2008, 16:14 GMT

Simon Cowell - Terri Seymour, Britney was good according to Cowell, not a "disaster" per the UK press... © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

Simon Cowell was pleased with Britney Spears' London "X-Factor" performance.

The Louisiana comeback queen Spears performed on "The X Factor" Saturday night, helping the UK series nab its highest ratings ever and only “Extra’s” Terri Seymour was behind the scenes with judge Simon Cowell! 

Cowell praised Spears’ performance saying, “A star is a star is a star. Incredible. She's back on top."

Cowell added, “This girl's got huge star quality....You've got to hand it to her. She's a great performer." And how would Cowell rate her? “Britney's back....9.5 (out of 10)," he declared. 

When asked how Cowell managed to book Spears on "The X Factor", he explained, "We got a phone call, 'Do you want Britney on the show?' Let me think about that, 'Yes.' And that was it."

Even Cowell couldn’t believe the paparazzi frenzy surrounding Spears’ appearance explaining, “That’s the price you pay for being a star...Her pictures are worth a fortune."

Cowell also revealed that Mariah Carey and Beyoncé are scheduled to appear on "The X Factor". He said, “I love her [Carey.] She’s a big star. She was fun...The contestants were in awe...[Also] we got Beyoncé coming on for the finals.”

Cowell commented on next season’s "American Idol" saying, “[I’m] 100% a guy will win this year." As for new judge Kara DioGuardi, Cowell commented, “She's mouthy, this girl. I'm beginning to warm to her...I think she knows what she's talking about."

“Extra’s” interview with Simon Cowell airs tonight - click  here