LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Britney and Demi officially joined The X Factor 2012 USA today. Britney and Demi join a revamped The X Factor after dramatic casting changes were announced at the end of the first season. Britney Spears and Demi Lovato tweeted their excitement today.

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ST LOUIS (LALATE) – The X Factor USA auditions 2012 in Kansas City today are expected to draw thousands of local, and even out of state, residents. The X Factor USA 2012 auditions kicked off this week its first of five locations. And while the auditions are certainly set, the judges are not. In fact, publicity for the reality show announced the five stops today using images of the only two returning judges.

While the judging situation is far from over for season two, the auditions for X Factor are proceeding as planned. The X Factor made the news announcement proclaiming “the world’s only $5 million audition is back, do you have the X Factor?”

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Paula Abdul’s The X Factor exit is shocking fans today. Paula Abdul is not returning for The X Factor USA’s second season, claims reports. FOX has yet to confirm the casting news. In fact, only the show’s creator Simon Cowell and LA Reid are reportedly returning. Steve Jones, Paula, and Nicole Scherzinger have all been cut from the show, claims multiple news reports this morning.

One news report claims that Cowell recently met with show producers in his home to discuss the future of the U.S. series. He reportedly was unhappy the way the first season progressed and about its ratings future. He reportedly had producers send pink slips to cast members. Steve Jones first confirmed his news yesterday. “I won’t be hosting next season Factor which is a shame but I can’t complain as I’ve had a great time.”

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Astro enraged the X Factor results telecast, far beyond his tv antics, claims a new report. Kid Astro in The X Factor telecast last night drew criticism for his remarks. But off -screen another alleged controversy was also brewing. Now producers are allegedly furious at Astro’s antics on camera and off.

Last night, viewers saw antics after Astro was sent to the bottom two along with Stacy Francis. Astro showed attitude when he told viewers that he wasn’t going to perform to save his position. Francis tells E! that Astro’s antics about that issue were not correct. “I’m very confused by Astro’s behavior because I think in that moment you should be pleading for your life and not throwing it away”.

But behind the scenes, Astro antics allegedly continued. On the east coast, Astro appeared live in normal frame wearing headphones. For the west coast, Astro’s headphones had to be blurred out by FOX producers. What happened?

A new report claims that  “Astro consciously ignored the show’s people when they told him he couldn’t wear a pair of Dr Dre’s Beats headphones around his neck during his performance this week. For whatever the reason – licensing, no affiliation with Dr. Dre, etc. – the producers warned him not to disobey them, that it would cost them a lot of time and money if he did. Yet he did it anyways”.

The same report claims the Astro has been “showing a lack of respect for staff and the rules” behind the scenes as well.

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – The X Factor results tonight were no surprise, giving Stacy Francis the elimination. The X Factor results tonight November 17, 2011 followed weeks of mixed remarks about Stacy Francis from news critics, fans, and even the judges. Last week many fans and news critics thought Francis would be sent home. But the big surprise tonight arguably was not the elimination of Francis. Rather it was that she and Astro were sent to the bottom two.

After Francis and Astro were sent to the bottom two, a survival performance turned negative for Francis. She chose Amazing Grace. He chose Never Can Say Goodbye. In the end, the judges voted (with the exception of Nicole) to send Stacy home.

Advancing to the next round tonight also was Marcus Canty. Last night he performed Piece of My Heart. LA Reid said “you rocked”. Nicole said “you lit the stage on fire”. Paula said “you are the entertainer of this competition.” And Simon agreed.

Drew Ryniewicz on With or Without You got top praise as well. Reid said “You have maybe the most original voice in this competition. I’m still pushing for more.” Nicole wasn’t impressed. “I was waiting for the tempo to pick up. I’m a little frustrated.” Paula said not to worry and Simon remarked “Take no notice from the three witches on my right.”

Astro on I’ll Be Missing You (Every Breath You Take) delighted the judges also last night. Reid said “Again you knocked it out of the park. You have everything it takes to me a major international star.” Nicole agreed stating “You are ready for a $5 million contract.” Paula said he was unstoppable. Simon said “You took on Eminem last week, you took on Puff Daddy this week. I think you’ve got a shot at winning this.”

And fans and news critics enjoyed Lakoda Rayne. Reid said “This is the first time I see you have fun.” Nicole enjoyed it and Paula said “These girls have earned their place.”

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