Nobody puts Britney in a corner (well, Simon does): Spears relegated to third judging seat as Demi Lovato sits pretty on X Factor USA

PUBLISHED: 14:44 EST, 1 November 2012 | UPDATED: 15:31 EST, 1 November 2012

She's the X Factor's $15 million signing – so you would think that would win her the prestigious seat next to Simon Cowell.

But after sitting next to the X Factor svengali throughout nearly all the auditions – Britney Spears lost her plum spot when the live show debuted last night.

Instead, her younger, feistier and more outspoken co-star Demi Lovato beamed as she took her place next to Cowell, 52 – who had dubbed the former Disney starlet an 'obnoxious little brat.'

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Musical chairs: Britney Spears lost her prestigious seat next to Simon Cowell on the first live show for X Factor USA on Wednesday night as Demi Lovato stole her spot

And Britney, 30, was sandwiched between Demi, 20, and L.A. Reid.

The move came as Britney bizarrely wore ear plugs during last night's show – and was slated for calling all the contestants 'amazing'.

A source said: 'Simon always picks his favourite to sit next to him.

'Cheryl Cole sat next to him on the UK X Factor and he loved their on-air flirting and rivalry.

'And don't forget Paula Abdul on American Idol – they always sat next to each other and Simon loved their banter.'

It was picked up by fans as Red Vallejo tweeted: 'Why isn't Britney sitting in the 2nd judges seat? She needs to switch with Demi. I don't get it!!!!!'

Who's your favourite, Simon? Britney secured the seat next to Cowell throughout most of the auditions stage

Although she had worn earplugs during some of the auditions, pop star Britney bizarrely chose to wear them again during the first live show from Los Angeles last night.

The singer, who was dressed in a black minidress with silver sparkling trim collar, gushed over almost all the performances, using the words ' amazing, 'incredible' and 'entertaining' each time.

Cowell had called his new co-star 'mean' before season two of the X Factor aired, saying last month: 'You know when you buy a dog, you expect it to lick you and then it turns out to bite you? It was rather like that. It was a real surprise. She's really, really difficult to please.'

Despite these comments, however, Britney seemed to only dish out praise to the performers.

Chris Whiting tweeted: 'I'm watching the American X Factor online and Britney has called all 16 acts performances amazing.'

Twitter reaction: The switch was not lost on fans of the show, who tweeted about the changed seating line-up

And even though the blonde star admitted that she was nervous ahead of the live show, Britney did however looked comfortable in her judging seat.

The Toxic star also appears to have taken one of her teens under her wing, clearly wanting to make her into her little protege.

Britney gave Carly Rose Sonenclar the huge honour of channelling herself in her iconic video Hit Me Baby One More Time.

She got the teenager dress-up as a school girl to sing Etta James's 'Something's Got A Hold On Me'.

Donning a tartan miniskirt, white shirt and grey blazer, Carly danced on top of desks alongside a group of teenybopper dancers.

But the judges felt the performance fell short and Carly felt uncomfortable.

Making a debut: New hosts Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez, seen here with contestant Carly Rose Sonenclar

'You have a really beautiful voice. If I am honest, it didn't feel like you were having fun,' judge L.A. Reid said.

The X Factor managed a narrow win for Fox with adults aged 18-49, according to fast nationals figures today, winning 7.4 million viewers.

The two-hour show, which featured the debut of hosts Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez, was down 21 per cent from its last Wednesday episode on October 10m, according to Nielsen overnight numbers, although it was originally scheduled as a repeat, in case of World Series coverage.

While X Factor has been signed for a third series, it is unclear whether Britney will return as she has only signed a one-year deal.

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Britney: "that's my spot"

- zs108 , Kent, 02/11/2012 00:39

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Having seen the show, it reminded me of Lopez and Tyler on American Idol, calling everyone "awesome" and "amazing", when some of them were not. As usual, the X Factor has perfomed some shocking makeovers, just like the UK show does every year. The contestants are stripped of any trace of their audition character. Look at all the teens - they have great voices and "Britney" had them doing routines. Everyone's vocals suffered last night. I thought the rap band were the best on the night. My favourite, Jennel Garcia, has been ruined by her makeover and stripped of her own identity. I think Demi was wrong to tell her to be less sexy. Now she doesn't really know if it's too little or too much. Paige looked a disaster.

- Andy , London, United Kingdom, 02/11/2012 00:16

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does it matter?

- Turnersmemo , Manchester, United Kingdom, 01/11/2012 23:57

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I think this seating is alright. They put people in order of those who can get along well and talk more. Britney has a great personality but she's gone more conservative now. Demi on the other hand is very chatty like Simon so they put them next to each other. Just like Tulisa+ Gary Barlow on The X-Factor UK LOL

- Crisben , Auckland, New Zealand, 01/11/2012 23:25

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Has Simon got fangs in for Halloween or are they actually his teeth?!

- whats next , Liverpool, 01/11/2012 23:09

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Dear Britney, stop borrowing your aunts ugly Christmas sweater! It looks terrible.

- nalgalou , ponyville, USA, 01/11/2012 22:50

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If you had actually watched xfactor USA, you would see that britney and Demi swapped their seats in every city they visited in the auditions so Demi hasn't stolen britney's place

- tashawest , Manchester, UK, 01/11/2012 22:40

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This is actually the first time I've heard Demi Lovato's (speaking) voice and oh wow, she sounds awful! Her hair is not doing her any favors either. Same for Britney; she should ditch the bad wig.

- Fems , Netherlands, 01/11/2012 22:24

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It's a management technique which Simon is using. You have this staff that has become secure in their position and getting a bit too , so you move them and put someone younger and less senior to give the senior employee a bit of stick. Watch out for it.

- artdeco88 , St Annes, 01/11/2012 22:08

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Britney is looking stunning! She's been through sooo much and has come out on top!

- Dylan , Los Angeles, 01/11/2012 22:05

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