Amidst reports that the pop super star would not take part in another season of X Factor, Britney Spears has now issued a statement confirming the news.

“I’ve made the very difficult decision not to return for another season,” she wrote. “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.”

What she loves most, of course, is music. Rumors say she’s working on a new album to be released later this year with Will.I.Am.

When Spears joined X Factor in 2012, she reportedly signed on with a $15 million contract. It is currently the highest contract ever for a talent competition judging gig. Her presence failed to boost ratings, however.

The show had a major shake up after season 1 when Cowell let go of Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger. A few weeks ago we learned that L.A. Reid would not return for X Factor season 3, meaning Cowell will have to replace at least two people. There’s no word yet if Demi Lovato has decided to stay or go, but we feel she’d be a better pick for a second run over Spears.