'X Factor' Renewed for Third Season

Fox has announced its order for a third season of "The X Factor," set to debut in 2013.

"I couldn't be happier," said creator and head judge Simon Cowell in a statement. "I am so proud of the show and the team who have made it this season. … The gloves are off! Expect fireworks!" That team includes new judges Demi Lovato and Britney Spears, who joined L.A. Reid in season two.

To date, the show has average a 3.9 rating among adults 18-49 and 10.6 million viewers in total. That puts it in the top 15 of network series among adults 18-49 and 18-34.

Said Fox president of alternative programming Mike Darnell: "This season, Simon and the producers of 'The X Factor' took an already strong show and made it absolutely fantastic. The format changes are working, the contestants are unbelievably talented, and Britney and Demi -- alongside Simon and L.A -- have brought an incredibly fun new chemistry to the judges' panel that our fans really love."

Recent additions to the cast include co-hosts Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez, whose first day on the job will be Thursday, Nov. 1, when the top 16 acts will also be revealed.

"X Factor" is a show with exceptionally high social engagement. In addition, artists discovered via the format (especially in the U.K.) have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.