“The X Factor”: Season Two debuts Sept. 12 and 13

and L.A. Reid of "The X Factor" - Fox Photo

New judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid for the second season of the singing competition series “The X Factor,” premiering from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12 and from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13.

Solo artists and vocal groups with members 12 years old or over will contend for the largest prize in television history: a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music, according to a news release.

Participants on “The X Factor” were selected from auditions from Kansas City, MO; Austin, TX; San Francisco, CA; Greensboro, NC; and Providence, RI.

Details on the show, provided by Fox, are as follows:

In a departure from other singing competition series, contestants not only audition in front of “The X Factor” judges. Perhaps more importantly, they sing for an audience of thousands, which is often referred to as the “fifth” judge, because their enthusiasm – or lack thereof – can help determine the fate of these hopefuls. This initial audition is the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence it takes to become a global superstar or breakout music act and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.