It seems the Internet has exploded with the news that the Princess of Pop, Britney Spears, is thisclose to signing a huge deal to join the much-beleaguered "X Factor" judging panel. Will a move from headlining world tours to sitting in a studio next to Simon Cowell be worth it? It seems to have worked for some other stars looking for the next step in their floundering entertainment careers.
Should Spears make a reality show deal, she'll be joining fellow pop starlets Christina Aguilera (NBC's "The Voice") and Jessica Simpson (NBC's "Fashion Star") on primetime TV.
A decade ago, these lovely ladies were in a heated battle to win over America with their sometimes sweet, snake-filled and dirrrrty antics. Now, with their musical heydays arguably behind them, it seems jumping on a TV offer -- where the spotlight is often directed more at their respective shows' contestants than on the judges themselves -- could be a move in the right direction.
Paula Abdul's stints on both "American Idol" and "The X Factor" made her a household name long after her pop star days were done, while Jennifer Lopez's "Idol" gig only helped skyrocket her through divorce drama and secured her A-list celebrity status. (Her daring dresses, never-ending legs and relationship with her backup dancer, Casper Smart, also helped a bit.)
But Spears isn't the only pop star to be in the news regarding a reality show gig. "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson was recently announced as a mentor on ABC's foray into musical competitions -- "Duets" -- along with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie and Robin Thicke. An "American Idol" winner going on a rival singing competition? Now that's ironic.
Though there are many musical shows, fashion also have a strong place in reality TV. Supermodels Heidi Klum ("Project Runway") and Tyra Banks ("America's Next Top Model") built reality empires on their respective fashion and modeling shows -- a territory Simpson, along with Nicole Richie, John Varvatos and Elle MacPherson, hopes to capitalize on with "Fashion Star."
Since Spears' "X Factor" gig isn't finalized yet and Simpson's "Fashion Star" has yet to premiere, it's too soon to tell whether America is ready for a whole slew of former pop stars to take over their primetime TV schedules, but it's clear that landing a cushy judging job is high on everyone's lists.
Britney & Co. aren't the only celebrities to ditch their day jobs for a reality show judging or hosting gig. Check out some other stars below:
