According to ShowbizSpy, the 'Toxic' singer, who is thought to be really close to signing on the dotted line and joining Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on the panel, is keen to protect herself from Simon's sharp tongue.
A source close to the singer, who has yet to comment on the rumours, said:
"Britney has huge respect for Simon but at the same time she’s a little bit scared of him. She’s excited about being part of the show but also mindful of the kind of role she is going to play on the judging panel."
The source added: “Britney doesn’t want to be the one trading verbal blows with Simon because she knows she would come off worse. She wants assurances that she will be projected in the right way. Britney wants to be the one nurturing new talent. She’ll leave the nasty stuff to Simon.”
However, it appears as though Simon has nothing but kind words to say about Britney.