Britney, Demi Lovato join 'X Factor' as Fox shuffles schedule

Fox is adding three new shows and two familiar faces to its schedule this fall. As expected, Demi Lovato and Britney Spears will join "X Factor's" judges' table, taking the spots left vacant by season 1 judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger. Both pop stars said in a statement that they're "excited" and "thrilled" with their new gigs, as is Simon Cowell. (We, on the other hand, are "thrilled" the endless speculation about who would judge can now be put to rest.) “I'm absolutely delighted Britney and Demi are joining us,” he said in a statement. “Britney remains one of the biggest stars in the world, she's talented, fascinating – and I believe she knows exactly how to spot 'The X Factor.'" And as for Lovato, "Demi's had an amazing career in music, TV and film for someone her age," Cowell said of the 19-year-old star. "She's young, confident, and enthusiastic. I think it’s really important that she speaks to our younger audience. The new panel will be dynamic and will work really well with the changes we are making to the show.” The "X Factor" will air Wednesdays and Thursdays starting at 8 p.m. ET this fall, with "American Idol" taking over the timeslot in the midseason. Gleeks will also have to switch up their DVR schedule to catch the McKinley High crew on Thursdays instead of Tuesdays in the fall, and they can expect Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Hudson to make guest appearances next season. For the midseason, Fox is planning to roll out a thriller from Kevin Williamson called "The Following," which centers on a former FBI agent (played by Kevin Bacon) who's called back to the job to track down a serial killer on the loose. There'll also be a comedy called "The Goodwin Games" starring Scott Foley ("Grey's Anatomy, "Felicity") as the oldest of three adult siblings who return home ready to inherit their father's fortune after his passing - which they'll only receive if they follow his specific challenges. Check out Fox's fall 2012 schedule below, with all times being eastern and new shows in bold: Monday 8:00-9:00 p.m. - "Bones" 9:00-10:00 p.m. - "The Mob Doctor," a drama featuring Jordana Spiro as a surgeon who's trying to balance her flourishing career and her family's debt to the mob