Demi Lovato wishes former co-star Britney Spears would return to The X Factor USA.

Spears announced she was leaving the coveted panel earlier this year, after much speculation surrounding her role on the show.

In January, the chart-topping songstress revealed: "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 teams but it's time for me to get back in the studio."

She added: "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."

Lovato wants the pop princess to return.

She told US Weekly: ''I wish Britney would come back. My next pick is Lady GaGa though, she's so cool.''

Demi is the only remaining judge alongside Simon Cowell, as long-time panellist L.A. Reid announced his departure from the show at the end of last season.