Britney Spears may not be the only Season 2 newcomer to exit The X Factor. Word is that co-host to the Fox singing competition Khloe Kardashian is also set to depart the series. Though, unlike Spears, who left the show after one season as judge in order to work on her music, it sounds like Kardashian's exit from the series is the show's decision.
NY Post states that an insider confirms that The X Factor plans to ask Mario Lopez to return to host for Season 3, "but not Khloe." Of the duo, Lopez has much more hosting experience under his belt, with America's Best Dance Crew and Extra among his hosting credits, while Kardashian was new to the role, and came off as a bit stiffer by comparison to Lopez.
In fairness to Kardashian, based on her appearances in the various E! Kardashian reality shows, she's proven to be a funny and charismatic woman, who might have been right for this role if she had a bit more experience with live television and hosting. But The X Factor is a huge production, and even with a more seasoned host at her side, it was still a challenging endeavor for a first-hosting job, and it showed.
Between the judges and its hosts, The X Factor has been in a constant state of flux, beginning with before the first season began airing, when judge Cheryl Cole was sent packing not long after the series began production. NY Post says Cole is in talks to return to the series as one of the new judges, joining Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato. That would certainly be an interesting twist, considering the controversy (and lawsuit) that followed her exit. Nicole Scherzinger was Cole's replacement as judge in Season 1, moving from her originally set position as co-host with Steve Jones, to the judges table. Scherzinger was let go after the first season, along with Paula Abdul (and Steve Jones), making room for Britney Spears and Demi Lovato, the latter of whom is expected to return for Season 3, along with series creator Simon Cowell. Along with Spears, L.A. Reid is also set to depart the series.
Officially, no decisions have been made on the matter of talent replacements. While it seems likely that they will fill the two vacated judges chairs, it's possible that Mario Lopez will host solo next season, assuming he's confirmed to return (and assuming Karashian is confirmed to leave).
