Who’s Nastier in the New ‘X Factor’ Promo — Britney Spears or Simon Cowell?

If you thought Britney Spears would be the sweet and cuddly Paula Abdul of the revamped 'X Factor' panel, you might wanna think again. A new promo released by Fox shows that while Spears may have been initially nervous about being a judge on the show, she's clearly found her footing and could even give the notoriously brusque Simon Cowell a run for his outspoken money.

In the clip, you'll see the Louisiana-born pop star hit the pause button on her Southern manners and critique one singer's performance by saying, “I don’t know who let you on stage.” Snap!

Then Simon Cowell gets in on the action, telling another wannabe contestant, “You perform like a dog trying to lay an egg.” But he isn't satisfied simply embarrassing nameless singers -- he also seems to take perverse delight in poking fun at fellow panelist Demi Lovato's single status.

The rest of the preview is pretty much what you'd expect -- there's some hyped-up medical drama involving the people who auditioned, an apparent arrest, and lots of yelling and tears. In other words, just another day on a televised talent show.

The second season of 'X Factor' premieres Wednesday, September 12 at 8 p.m. on Fox.