Britney Spears demanded $3m pay rise

Los Angeles - Britney Spears reportedly demanded a $3m pay rise to stay on The X Factor.

The Toxic hitmaker announced last week she was leaving the show after just one season as a judge and insiders claim it is because programme chiefs refused her salary demands of $18m.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "When producers asked if she wanted to return for the third season of The X Factor, Britney's reps said she would only come back if she was offered $18m.

"But after much deliberation, they just felt that Britney wasn't worth that much because she wasn't bringing enough to the table.

"Her performance as a judge was scrutinised, and she didn't really add anything to the show. They felt she didn't warrant a $3m pay hike."

Back to her music career

The source added: "When she originally signed up for $15m last season, it was stressed that was as far as the network could go financially for her."

Announcing her departure from the programme on Friday, Britney said she wanted to go back to her music career.

She said in a statement: "I've made the very difficult decision not to return for another season. I had an incredible time doing the show and I love the other judges and I am so proud of my teens but it's time for me to get back in the studio.

"Watching them all do their thing up on that stage every week made me miss performing so much! I can't wait to get back out there and do what I love most."