Simon Cowell is surprised Britney took him up on his offer

Never in his wildest dreams did Simon Cowell think Britney Spears would actually agree to partake in The X Factor.

Cowell, Reid and Lovato had their first interview with TV Guide just hours after their debut appearance together. Spears was conspicuous by her absence. Simo told the magazine that while choosing Britney was “a no brainer”, persuading her was another matter.

“We’d spoken a few times, and I’d heard that she wanted to make one of these kinds of shows,” he regaled. “But never thought she would agree to it.”

Oh Britney, what have you done?

Ever the charmer, Simon said the pair “got on so well on the phone” and that the deal “went very smooth in the end.”

Yes, $15m usually helps smooth out the bumps.