Fox has ordered a third season of The X Factor, it was announced today by Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. Here's what judge Simon Cowell had to say regarding the announcement.
"I couldn't be happier about The X Factor already being renewed for another season. I am so proud of the show and the team who have made it this season. I want to thank our incredible sponsors for their support and creativity, and Fox for going out of their way to do everything they can to make this show a success. Most importantly, I have to personally thank our amazing fans for the support and enthusiasm they have given to The X Factor. Our main commitment will always be to find great talent, and let's not forget, we are now days away from our first live shows. The gloves are off! Expect fireworks!"
Mike Darnell also released a statement about the renewal.
"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 Spears and Demi Lovato - alongside Simon and L.A. Reid - have brought an incredibly fun new chemistry to the judges' panel that our fans really love. We feel great about the show and I'm thrilled to bring it back next year for Season 3."
Fremantle Media North America President of Entertainment Programming Trish Kinane had this to say about today's big news.
"We're absolutely thrilled that The X Factor will be returning to FOX for a third hit season. We've seen an incredible range of talent so far and we're getting set for some truly blockbuster live shows this season that viewers will love. The X Factor has really come into its own this year, finding its unique place and cementing its position as one of the leading talent shows in the entertainment landscape, as well as showing clear potential to build into a brand with true longevity. We're looking forward to working with the fantastic teams at Fox and Syco, along with our sponsors, to build upon the show's success."
Season to date, The X Factor is averaging a 3.9 rating among Adults 18-49 and 10.6 million Total Viewers and is a Top 15 show this fall among Adults 18-49 and Adults 18-34. In addition, The X Factor is a Top 5 entertainment program among Teens this season.
The X Factor continues to break social TV records with the most fan engagement of any series on television and three times the social activity of its genre competitors. Each episode consistently achieves more Twitter trending topics than the competition. The second season premiere of The X Factor shattered the record for a series premiere, garnering 1.4 million social comments, according to Bluefin Labs.
Following schedule changes due to the rain-delayed MLB NLCS game last week, on Tuesday, Oct. 23, the highly anticipated conclusion of the "Judges' Homes" round of The X Factor will air at a special time from 9:30-10:30 PM ET/PT on FOX. Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato and Britney Spears will reveal the 16 acts among the Teens, Young Adults, Groups and Over 25s categories that will continue in the competition.
Next week, the Top 16 acts will perform on a special live two-and-a-half hour show, hosted by Khloe Kardashian and Mario López, on Thursday, Nov. 1 (8:00-10:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). The X Factor live shows continue on a special night on Sunday, Nov. 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) with additional performances and the announcement of the Season Two finalists.
The X Factor was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Nigel Hall are executive producers for Syco Television. Trish Kinane, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for Fremantle Media North America. "Like" The X Factor on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. Follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA and join the discussion at #xfactor.