Demi Lovato on X Factor Season 2: "I'm Honored to Be on the Panel, Let Alone on a TV Show"

Demi Lovato said it plainly: "I'm honored to be on the panel, let alone on a TV show, especially having a job in this economy. That's all I'm focusing…" — and Premier Guide Miami was in the room when it happened.

On September 6, 2012, Demi Lovato joined a press call ahead of the two-night premiere of The X Factor Season 2, airing Wednesday, September 12th and Thursday, September 13th at 8 p.m. on Fox. It was her first season as a judge on the panel alongside Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, and L.A. Reid. Premier Guide Miami's Daedrian McNaughton asked about the election — and Lovato gave the most diplomatic answer in the room.

There are so many things going on this season — the election, The X Factor. Who do you consider the x factor for this election, and if you were to judge them, what would your ruling or opinion be?

I've learned that you never talk about religion or politics in the spotlight. I don't know. They're both really great speakers, I guess. They've both got the x factor. They're both nominated for a reason.

Simon Cowell's response: "You just ducked that, Demi Lovato. They're both good speakers."

Bullying vs. criticism

Asked how she navigates giving negative feedback without crossing into bullying territory — given her own public advocacy on the issue — Lovato drew a clear line: "Bullying, I think, can be when you're just harsh really for no reason. When you're giving criticism, you're only trying to help somebody with their performance or their voice or whatever. I think definitely there could be a fine line between some jokes, but for me, ultimately, I'm just having fun and trying to give them criticism."

Working with Britney Spears

Lovato was effusive about her co-judge: "L.A. and Britney are so amazing. I feel like the world hasn't really gotten a chance to see Britney's personality over the past couple of years and now this is the perfect opportunity for people to really see the light inside of her just shine. She's very witty and funny and quirky and I just have such a good time working with her." She also confirmed the learning curve of getting booed: "I said no, and I got booed. I could see the look on my face like, I don't think I want to do this show anymore. It's kind of difficult."

What it really takes to become a pop star

Simon Cowell pointed to Lovato — number one in the charts at the time of the call — as the best person to answer what it takes to break through after a talent show. Her answer was direct: "You have to go through so much to be able to make it to where you are. You have to make a lot of sacrifices. You have to be willing to not get a lot of sleep and to have to choose — make some sacrifices and work very, very, very hard." On the mentoring side of judging: "A part of this competition is we have to make the artist in the competition realize that it's not just about getting on stage and who has the best voice and who has the best performance. It's about making a pop star — signing someone who has what it takes performance-wise and also drive-wise."

Providence and the surprises of judging

Lovato singled out Providence, Rhode Island as a standout audition city: "I really enjoyed seeing how many people showed up to support their fellow neighbors. It was really awesome." On the unpredictability of the judges' panel: "You have no idea what's going to happen that day. You have no idea how people are going to react. It's full of surprises. It's very unpredictable." She described the judging role as more challenging than expected: "It's a lot more challenging than I thought it would be, but I am very excited about putting everything that I have into it." The X Factor Season 2 premieres Wednesday, September 12th on Fox.

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