Now: Whoa! Has it really been over 15 years since BSpears signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album “…Baby One More Time” in 1999? Amazing, considering her current co-host on X Factor Demi Lovato was only a five years old at the time Spears recorded her monster hit album and chart-topping songs. At age 30, Spears made her highly anticipated debut as a judge on the singing competition show in 2012, and was an instant boost to the show’s ratings! Although some have criticized her critiques as generic and perhaps too forgiving, sweet Britney seems to always stick up for the underdog and try to build up any contestant that Simon may tear down with words of encouragement. Seems like Brit is still the well-meaning girl from a small town. Maybe it’s that she sees something of herself in the struggling up-and-coming new talent.