The singing competition series, "The X Factor" came with a flurry of high expectations last fall when it premiered on FOX. However, once the show was up and running ratings weren't what judge/creator Simon Cowell loudly predicted. Once the season wrapped, Cowell showed host Steve Jones and judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger the door.

Now, as season two launches tonight, we may not yet have a new host (though rumors are that an announcement is coming soon) there are new judges in singers Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. Will the newly formed group gel better than the original foursome? Will Spears and Lovato be friend or foe at the judges' table with Cowell? Do the judges feel the competition with NBC's popular "The Voice?" And then, of course, what about the crop of singers coming through to win a $5 million dollar Epic Records recording contract?

Our Jim Halterman sat down with Cowell, returning judge L.A. Reid and new judge Lovato earlier this week at the FOX Fall TV Junket to find out what fans can expect to see with tonight's season premiere.

"The X Factor" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX.