Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian Odom will host the second season of The X Factor.

Sharp-tongued pundit Simon Cowell, creator of the Fox talent show, made the announcement on Tuesday — ending weeks of speculation over who would succeed axed Welshman Steve Jones as host.

It’s no secret, Simon has always wanted two hosts for The X Factor. An ecstatic Cowell told Us magazine:

“The worst kept secret in Hollywood is out. Mario and Khloe are our hosts. They will debut on our first live show in November and I couldn’t be happier.”

Khloe chimed in with:

“I’m so thrilled to become a part of the X Factor family. I’ve been a big fan of the show and look forward to working with Simon and all of the judges. It’s going to be so much fun!”

Extra host Mario — who has already lent his emceeing talents to the Miss America Pageant — is also overjoyed about his new gig:

“I’m very excited to be joining the X Factor team. I love the show and I’ve been a big fan of Simon Cowell and the judges for a long time. Khloe and I have been friends for years and I know we’ll be a great team and have a blast.”

Written by Castina on October 16th, 2012 | Tagged as: Khloe Kardashian,Mario Lopez,The X-Factor,TV,TV News