Old habits die hard. Britney Spears has already been smoking since she was just a teenager. Apparently, the 30-year old mother of two showed no signs of quitting. The "X Factor" judge was spotted outside having a quick cigarette break with a friend at a breakfast spot before judging for the next round of auditions for the reality show "The X Factor USA" in Providence, Rhode Island.

The New England city on America's east coast is the fourth location for the nationwide audition of "The X Factor." As one of the four judges on the highly publicised reality talent show, Britney Spears appeared to be in a very good mood when she was photographed smoking and chatting with a good friend. The "Toxic" singer was casually dressed in a blue V-necked shirt, dark pants, white flats and simple drop earrings with her blonde hair just bundled on the top of her head.

Afterwards, the pop princess posted a message on her "Twitter" account. "Just arrived for Providence Day 3 auditions! Let's go!" she wrote. Then, Spears also posted a video that shows her arrival in Providence together with her fellow "X Factor" judges LA Reid, Demi Lovato and Simon Cowell. The judges were warmly welcomed by the screaming crowd.

After a nerve-wrecking start as a judge for the talent show, the "Baby One More Time" hitmaker is finally absorbing her newest role. Britney Spears has now become quick in praising performers that are auditioning for the talent show whom she strongly believes as strong contenders for the competition. "Holy cow! I can't believe that voice came from that tiny body," Spears told one girl who auditioned in San Francisco. However, Spears has also been frank in breaking the rejection news to the less-gifted hopefuls. "I'm sorry sweetie, but you need to be great on this show," Spears told one disappointed performer. It looks like Britney Spears has already shed off the early jitters that she may have had on the show for she is now clearly settled in by embracing and enjoying her role as a talent scout.

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