While her fellow judge Simon Cowell describes Demi Lovato as a “catty brat,” the ‘X Factor‘ panelist admits that some of the title is earned — but not necessarily in a bad way.

“I try to be positive as much as I can,” she told MTV, “but sometimes you’ve just got to tell people that singing is not for them. When I hear a good singer, sometimes I critique them so that they can be better. And it’s not that they’re bad.” So diplomatic, that Demi!

So what makes her look like a wolf in sheep’s (studded leather) clothing on the show? It’s not always the bad singers — it’s the ones she loves. “When I hear someone that I absolutely love or someone that I believe in, I’ll stick up for them, even if everyone else votes no,” she said. “I’m really honest on the show and sometimes I come off as the toughest judge. I guess you can say I speak my mind.”

Lovato admits that even though she goes to bat for her artists, she can’t always comprehend why her cohorts do the same for some of theirs. “Sometimes I cannot see what Simon sees in the people he puts through. And same with Britney,” she ranted. “I’m like, ‘Britney, what are you thinking?’ But there are more times I relate with Britney [better] than Simon, actually. Maybe because we’re the two girls on the show.”

Speaking of Brit, would she be down to duet with the superstar? Demz replied, “It would be an honor, but no plans yet.” Makes sense — that would be better suited for a different singing competition show anyway!

Watch the ‘X Factor’ Season 2 Promo

More From Lite 98.7