A Factor of One

This is the second season of X Factor in the U.S., so why does it feel like the show needs saving?
The first season had solid, if not unspectacular, ratings. However, Simon Cowell, who brought the show over from the UK, decided that wasn't good enough and dropped two judges (Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger) and the host. He replaced them with judges Britney Spears and Demi Loavto (though, as of now, no known host(s)).
Those are big moves, especially since Britney is reportedly being paid $15M and Demi $1M+. Those moves are akin to a baseball team making the playoffs, losing in the first round, then dumping two of their starting pitchers. Were the X Factor moves really necessary?
Britney is, in keeping with the baseball references, the Albert Pujols of entertainment, i.e. the biggest star. Well, the Anaheim Angels signed Pujols to a massive contract. They're currently in last place. Clearly, the two aren't 100 percent related, but there is a lot of pressure on Britney. The Angels also signed pitcher CJ Wilson. Yet, no one is blaming him for the team being in last place. If X Factor doesn't bring in the ratings, it won't be Demi's fault. Again, that places a lot of pressure on Britney.
It's hard to think that a show that just premiered would be in need of saving, but these moves make it seem as such. It's hard to compete with American Idol, just ask The Voice.  That show went out and got big name judges/coaches in Christina, Cee-lo, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Unfortunately, they're still playing second fiddle to Idol. Now, X Factor has gotten the biggest name judge you can get in Britney. If she falters, well . . .
It's a funny thing - people expect her to fail. In fact, that's why they'll be tuning in. Only two types of viewers will watch X Factor: Britney (and Demi) fans and everyone else waiting to see her screw up. In some warped way, it almost benefits Britney to fuck up. If people tune in to see a train wreck and don't see one, they'll tune out. But if they get their train wreck, they won't be able to turn away.
Driving on the highway, if you see an accident, you'll look at least once to examine the damage. If there's nothing there, you'll turn away. But, suppose there's a huge wreck. Well, you can't take your eyes off that, can you? Yes, Britney will be savaged if/when she screws up. Yes, the media is going to scrutinize everything she does, from what she says, how she says it, where she puts her hands, how she points her toes, etc. Ironically, those screw ups could deliver the biggest ratings.
Imagine that, the biggest star in the world getting paid $15M by a guy who secretly hopes she fucks up. Of course, people will eventually get tired of watching Britney make mistakes and the show will have to sink or swim on its own merit. But that might not be until season three, a season that probably won't even feature Britney. For this season, Britney's best move might be to make her worst move.