Britney Spears, Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and L.A. Reid talk 'The X Factor'

Britney Spears, L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato and Simon Cowell discussed the upcoming Season 2 of "The X Factor" - via satellite from Miami -- during the 2012 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.

How did Britney Spears seem? What did Simon Cowell say? How was Demi Lovato? Inevitably, these are questions you wonder about in anticipation of a live press conference about Season 2 of "The X Factor."

While supposedly a competition to put the spotlight on undiscovered singing talent, shows like this and "American Idol" are increasingly all about the celebrity judges whose jobs consist of giving feedback and trying to sound coherent and/or insightful.

The just-concluded "X Factor" session here at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, during the 2012 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, was done live via satellite. Spears, Cowell, Lovato and L.A. Reid (who doesn't generate the gossipy interest the other three do) were in Miami for filming. Their questioners were here at the Hotel.

I know you're wondering, so I'll get it out of the way fast: Spears, who was wearing a typically sexy outfit of low-cut black top and tight black pants, seemed relaxed, if subdued, and out of her element when asked questions that required her to reflect on much of anything beyond how big a fan she is of "The X Factor." Cowell -- and I'll describe his outfit, too (gray top, jeans) was less cocky than last summer, when he made some big predictions for "The X Factor," which didn't turn out to be quite justified.

He did, however, call Lovato "a brat," and said that Spears was "qu! ite mean ," which prompted Lovato to demur, calling Spears "sweet." "Sweet as a lemon," Cowell said, obviously and mischievously trying to stir the pot.

Lovato (who was sporting a multi-colored long braid of blonde-red, green and blue hair) seemed pretty grounded and ready to playfully spar with Cowell. Reid (gray suit, open-collared white shirt, just so you know) generally laid low, as did executive producers Rob Wade and Andrew Llinares. And most of the questions were directed to Spears, Cowell and Lovato.

Other noteworthy (or not) moments:

* In light of this morning's news that Mariah Carey is joining "American Idol" as a new judge, someone asked Cowell his thoughts. He said he's happy for Carey, but thinks she'll find it hard to say no to people -- because she's apparently sweeter than Spears.

* "Don't mention 'The Voice,'" Cowell interjected after a question to Lovato and Spears about what reality shows they like. They made a point of mentioning "American Idol" -- but only in the days when Cowell was on, he emphasized.

* Small showbiz world department: Spears said part of the story behind her joining "The X Factor" was the fact that she and Cowell share the same makeup artist.

The rest of the story, obviously, is that given Spears' well-publicized previous problems, is she ready to function in the world of live TV? The clips of the new "X Factor" season made her look as ready as any other celebrity judge. When asked questions about what kind of music she likes, or how she decided what kind of critical feedback was useful, however, she had virtually nothing to say.

Maybe she just doesn't have much to say about those topics. Or she found the satellite interview setup awkward. But there's something uncomfortable in the fact that by casting Spears, Cowell and his cohorts were setting up exactly this kind of tension. Who knows what it's like for Spears to be under the kind! of scru tiny?

I'm frankly hoping that her tenure on the show is as unexceptional as Jennifer Lopez' stint on "Idol." It might make for more boring viewing than "train wreck" TV, with its meltdowns and outbursts. But I'm tired of train wrecks being presented for our enjoyment.

Season 2 of "The X Factor" has a two-night premiere, Sept. 12-13.

-- Kristi Turnquist on Twitter