LOCAL NEWS:
KEYWORD:

A   A   A

Posted: Wednesday, 17 October 2012 4:54AM

Khloe Kardashian, Mario Lopez to host 'The X Factor'



LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Reality star Khloe Kardashian will co-host "The X Factor," broadcaster Fox said on Tuesday, putting one of the popular celebrities on U.S. television at the forefront of the revamped singing contest.

Kardashian, who with her California socialite sisters Kim and Kourtney rose to fame in "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," will appear on the U.S. version of the show from November.

She will share duties with Mario Lopez, host of syndicated entertainment news magazine show "Extra," Fox said in a statement.

"X Factor" creator Simon Cowell said in September that Kardashian, 28, was his top choice to co-host the singing contest following his firing in January of little-known British TV personality Steve Jones, who had the job as host for the show's first season in 2011.

"The worst kept secret in Hollywood is out," Cowell said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Mario and Khloe are our hosts. They will debut on our first live show in November and I couldn't be happier."

Kardashian married basketball player Lamar Odom in 2009, and the pair got their own spinoff show last year. She has more than 7 million followers on Twitter and has been in the news recently over the couple's efforts to have a baby.

Lopez, 39, is less well known but the former actor hosts "Extra" as well as a radio show "On with Mario Lopez." He is also an author of several fitness books.

Kardashian and Lopez complete the celebrity overhaul of "The X Factor" after a disappointing first season. Britney Spears and former Disney Channel star Demi Lovato made their debut as judges in September, replacing Paula Abdul and singer Nicole Scherzinger, who were also fired in January.

Story & Photos Copyright 2012 Reuters

CBS pulls 'Mike & Molly' finale with tornado storyline


CBS said that it will delay airing the season finale of "Mike & Molly."

Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio join U.S. 'X Factor' judges panel


Kelly Rowland has signed onto "The X Factor" judging panel.

'Star Wars' to bring 'Rebels' to new animated TV series


Disney said it will produce a new "Star Wars" animated series.

Sinbad files for bankruptcy - again


Sinbad has declared himself bankrupt with more than $10 million in debts.

Jennifer Lawrence stalker faces charges


An overzealous Jennifer Lawrence fan has been jailed.

Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift big winners at Billboard Awards


Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift won the big prizes at the Billboard Music Awards.

Beyonce is pregnant with second child: report


Beyonce and husband Jay-Z are indeed expecting, according to reports.

Troubled 'Terminator' star arrested again


Edward Furlong has been arrested again after allegedly breaking a restraining order.

Soul singer Candice Glover wins 'American Idol'


Candice Glover, a soul singer from rural South Carolina, was named "American Idol."

Steve Carell helps 'The Office' close its doors


The doors of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch closed for the last time.

Sony to make 'Angry Birds' movie in 3D


The popular video game "Angry Birds" is jumping off smart phones and onto the big screen.

Shakira will leave NBC's 'The Voice' after season


Shakira will leave NBC's "The Voice" after only one season as a judge.

Country, soul singers battle in all-female 'American Idol' finale


Candice Glover vied with Kree Harrison in an all-female finale of "American Idol."

Christina Aguilera to return to 'The Voice?'


Christina Aguilera is in discussions to return as a judge on "The Voice."

Bill Hader to leave NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'


"Saturday Night Live" star Bill Hader will be leaving the show.