Sharon Osbourne defended Britney Spears this week amid rumors that the pop star will be fired from her job as a judge on “The X Factor.”

“People thought she was going to be a train wreck and she’s not,” Ms. Osbourne told Heat. “She’s a very nice girl – and she’s had a hell of a tough time.”

US Weekly reported earlier this week that “The X Factor” co-creator Simon Cowell plans on firing Ms. Spears after just one season as a judge on the show. “Britney will get the boot,” a source told US Weekly. “Producers wanted her for the long haul, but it isn’t working.”

Ms. Osbourne, who has worked as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” and the British version of “The X Factor,” made the case that Ms. Spears’ tenure on the show has not been a complete failure.

“All she has ever really done is work and make money for people,” Ms. Osbourne added. “Now, she’s come to the age where she can take control of her life.”

While Ms. Osbourne can defend the singer’s performance on the show, she would have a hard time explaining the show’s dismal second-season ratings. As of December 10, “The X Factor” was averaging eight million U.S. viewers per episode compared to 12 million U.S. viewers per episode in 2011. According to Examiner.com, viewers want Mr. Cowell to give co-host Khloe Kardashian and judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato the boot in 2013.

Defending Ms. Spears’ performance as a judge on “The X Factor” meant disagreeing with long-time friend Simon Cowell, but Ms. Osbourne is confident that she “can say anything” to Simon.

“Believe me, if I wasn’t friends with him I wouldn’t be here now!” she told Heat. “I can say anything I like to Simon. But if anybody else does? that’s not allowed! I’ve gone past the ten-year mark with Simon, so I’m OK.”

Fellow “America’s Got Talent” judge Howard Stern would likely disagreed with Ms. Osbourne’s assessment of the pop star’s judging skills.

“Well, I think it’s a wonderful decision,” Mr. Stern said of the decision to bring on the show’s newest judge during an “AGT” press conference in May. “Britney still thinks the earth is flat.”

“I don’t anticipate great opinions from her,” he added. “I think she’s gonna sit there like J.Lo, ‘Oh, you’re wonderful, you’re terrific. You think I can get a perfume endorsement out of this?’”

If Ms. Spears gets the boot, she wouldn’t be the first judge to be fired from “The X Factor.” Mr. Cowell cleaned house after the first season of the show, sending Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones packing.