'X-Factor' Judge Demi Lovato: I'm Not Dating Niall Horan

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Fans of One Direction can breathe a sigh of relief: X-Factor judge Demi Lovato is NOT dating heartthrob Niall Horan.

Hes really sweet and hes one of my really good friends now, she said in a backstage interview Providence, R.I. Dunkin Donuts Center. I am single at the moment and I plan to be for a long time, because I need to focus on my career and myself and my wellbeing before I think about getting in a relationship.

Lovato said she is too busy adjusting to her new responsibilities on the show. Being harsh may come easily to Simon Cowell, but the rookie judge revealed that saying no to hopefuls is harder than she imagined.

I didnt think it would be this challenging, revealed Lovato in a backstage interview at the Providence, R.I. auditions. Saying no to people is really hard.

Lovato especially feels torn with certain contestants, and is concerned that her words may harm fragile psyches in the process.

Emotionally, it messes with you a little bit, she said. If you say, no, what if that was their only shot and you let them go when they werent really that bad?

Britney Spears said lack of preparation could kill an audition.

A lot of contestants we have been seeing lately are just a little unsure about their perform! ance tog ether, she said. Come prepared and do the training you need to do.

Spears admitted that sometimes a male singers look is a determining factor -- Cowell and L.A. Reid notoriously favor cute girls with questionable vocals -- butsaid she is always looking for something extra.

It does help a little bit if the guys are somewhat handsome, she said. For the most part, we try to boil to the talent. We try to knock Simon and L.A. into shape.

Both judges agreed that there is a comfort that both are brand new in the reality show game, and lean on each other for support during the live shows even if they are both sometimes a little clueless with certain musical genres.

Even today, I didnt know what was considered a good rapper, because I dont listen to rap, said Spears.

Lovato admitted she wasnt much help in that department, either.

I dont know, he talks fast, and he sounds good, so yeah, laughed Lovato.

Watch more from the auditions, plus a hilarious site of Cowell arriving on a scooter, below: