Britney Spears' X Factor Contract Lets Her Leave Whenever She Wants, Report Claims » Celebrity Gossip

An interesting explanation of Britney Spears walking off The X Factor set Thursday has emerged in a new report on TMZ: She did because she can.

The show wanted Spears so badly, they literally gave away the candy store ... well not literally, although she could probably buy a candy store.

With a deal paying her $15 million for one season, Britney is raking it in, and that's not even all. Her contract basically gives her carte blanche.

Spears has the right to do things during production that are not "normal," insiders say, and that includes taking breaks whenever she feels like it.

Simon Cowell and Britney Spears

As one source put it, "Simon is a shrewd businessman who knew Britney could make his show and he was willing to give her just about anything."

Guess so. And hey, look at us talking about The X Factor in May!

Yesterday, Britney walked off the set during the very first taping, leaving behind an empty judge's chair while four contestants did their thing.

Sources connected with the production say Britney was "overwhelmed" and left. She sort of denied this on Twitter, but would anyone be surprised?

People who were at the taping claim she was upset by the audience reacting negatively to some of her comments, then abruptly peaced out.

Howard Stern's right. This could be a train wreck. But highly-rated!

[Photo: WENN.com]