X Factor fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Only two weeks before season two enters live shows, it has been announced that the series' co-hosts will be Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez. Both TV personalities tweeted the news on Tuesday afternoon, followed by a Fox press release making it official.
The Hollywood Reporter reported on Monday night that, while Lopez had signed on some time ago, Kardashian's camp and the X Factor team only recently agreed on all points of her contract.
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The E! reality star and Extra host replace The X Factor's season one host Steve Jones, who was axed in a bloodbath that also found judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger without jobs in late January (the latter has since moved on to X Factor UK, while the former appears on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance this season). Following the firings, Simon Cowell repeatedly stated that he hoped to hire two judges for the forthcoming season, one female and one male.
Kardashian had long been rumored to fill the position. Her friendship with new X Factor judge Demi Lovato helped seal her deal, a source said.
Says Lopez in the announcement: “I love the show, and I’ve been a big fan of Simon Cowell and the judges for a long time. Khloé and I have been friends for years and I know we’ll be a great team and have a blast.”
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The X Factor returned with its season two premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 12, with new judges Britney Spears and Lovato joining Cowell and L.A. Reid on the panel. On Wednesday, Oct. 17, the show narrows finalists down to four acts per judge.
Following the “Judges’ Homes” round, live episodes will kick off on Nov. 1.
Twitter: @THRTV
