Britney Spears Officially Confirms ‘X Factor’ Exit

After many rumors and much speculation, Britney Spears has officially confirmed that she will not be returning as a judge on The X Factor.

While there had been rumors that the singer would be leaving the show, and TMZ broke the news Thursday, Spears herself hadn’t explicitly confirmed her exit. Spears issued a statement regarding her departure from the show Friday:

“I’ve made the very difficult decision not to return for another season. I had an incredible time doing the show and I love the other judges and I am so proud of my teens but it’s time for me to get back in the studio. Watching them all do their thing up on that stage every week made me miss performing so much! I can’t wait to get back out there and do what I love most.”

As we reported earlier this week, Spears is said to be seeking a sitcom role now that she will no longer be a judge on The X Factor. It wouldn’t be her first time appearing in a sitcom, as she has had guest appearances on How I Met Your Mother and Glee.

Aside from looking to make another foray into television, a source close to Spears told E! Online said that she is “very interested in a Vegas residency, and is in serious talks with one of the major casino groups.”

In 2011, Spears’ “Femme Fatale” tour included 79 shows worldwide and reportedly grossed $68.7 million. That same year, the Palms Hotel and Casino reportedly wanted the Grammy-winner to a do residency there.