On the X Factor judging panel, Demi Lovato was the one judge everyone wanted to see return. And when it came to the hosts, it’s obvious who fans wanted to see gone and who should stay. Fortunately, Simon Cowell is making the right decisions, as FOX has announced Mario Lopez is returning to host season 3.
Demi Lovato Returning for The X Factor Season 3 >>>
“I’m looking forward to returning to The X Factor team,” Mario said in a statement. “We’re coming back stronger and better than ever and I’m excited to check out all the new talent.”
“I’m thrilled Mario is back for season 3 of The X Factor,” Simon said. “Hosting a live show and keeping the judges — especially Demi — in line, is not an easy job, but Mario is a pro and we are glad he’s coming back.”
Mario has proven himself to be a highly capable and skilled host, whether on Extra, On with Mario Lopez (his radio show) or The X Factor. But the same can’t be said about his co-host, Khloe Kardashian, who joined the show at the same time in season 2, which aired last fall. She constantly stumbled over her words when reading the teleprompter and asked pointless questions to the contestants.
Rumors began in February that she would not be returning, and FOX has now made it official: “Khloe Kardashian will not be returning to co-host The X Factor. We really enjoyed working with her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.” Short and to the point — very telling of what the network thinks of her, though a source told E! Online, “Everyone on the show had a great relationship with her and thought she was fun to work with.”
So does this mean Mario Lopez will be the sole host? It’s unclear at this point, though I’m sure viewers wouldn’t mind seeing him take the reigns by himself as Ryan Seacrest did following Brian Dunkleman‘s departure after American Idol season 1.
With Demi returning, there are still two open spots on the judging panel, after L.A. Reid and Britney Spears bowed out. Another source has said, “No decisions have been made about replacements yet.”
The X Factor is about to see if they can produce a successful winner. Season 2’s Tate Stevens’ debut album will be released on April 23. His former competition, Carly Rose Sonenclar, Fifth Harmony and Emblem3, have signed record deals, with the latter having just released their first single called “Chloe.”
Are you excited that Mario Lopez is returning for season 3? And are you relieved Khloe Kardashian has not been asked back?
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(Image courtesy of FOX)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
