Simon Says: Brit's Back!

With the awards and praise piling up for Britney Spears these days, there's no doubt that the formerly troubled pop star is poised once more to take over the world. Even the quite critical Simon Cowell has jumped on the Brit bandwagon, applauding her recent performance on the U.K. show X Factor.

“A star is a star is a star. Incredible," he told Extra backstage at the show Saturday night, rating her performance at a 9.5 out of 10 points. "She's back on top."

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As if there were still any doubt about how the American Idol judge feels about Britney's return, Simon continued, “This girl's got huge star quality... .You've got to hand it to her. She's a great performer."

So how did Brit manage to end up on the popular show across the pond?

"We got a phone call, 'Do you want Britney on the show?' " Simon explains. " Let me think about that, 'Yes.' And that was it."

For more of Extra's interview with Simon, tune in tonight!