Demi Lovato to step down as judge on ‘The X Factor’

Because too much time has passed since there was a judge shakeup on a singing competition show, it looks like Demi Lovato will be stepping down from her judge’s perch on “The X Factor.�

The 21-year-old singer told reporters after Wednesday’s finale show that she will dedicate the coming new year to music, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

“I started the show being a singer and a musician, and so I’m going to go back to that,� Lovato told reporters. “It’s been really great, but I’m so excited for 2014. I’m going to dedicate it completely and entirely to music -- touring and making a new album. Possibly releasing one.�
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A source close to production confirmed Lovato’s plans to exit. The singer/actress is set to embark on her Neon Lights tour in support of her latest album, “Demi,� in February.

Lovato joined “The X Factor� ranks -- along with Britney Spears -- in 2012 as the “American Idol� wannabe entered its second season and quickly earned a reputation for her often brutal honesty.

Fox had no comment regarding Lovato’s departure. Requests for comment from Lovato and “X Factor� creator and fellow judge Simon Cowell were not immediately returned.

Of course, Lovato’s exit is the least of the show’s worries. The future of the low-rated singing competition show is up in the air. It’s third season wrapped up Wednesday without much fanfare, pulling in about 5 million viewers. It has not yet been renewed by Fox.

Changes coming to the show were hinted at earlier in the week. In a conference call with reporters on Monday, Cowell, who seemed to think the show would return, said his role could change: “I might have a different kind of role -- we haven’t discusses that yet.� And he had also noted that changes would come to the format of the show as well as the judging panel.

But will people be tuning in to find out?

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