‘X Factor’ Hosts to Be Revealed On Sept. 11, Judges Dish on Season 2 in New Videos
There have been a ton of rumors about the new ‘X Factor‘ hosts, but nothing has gained real traction yet. Have no fear: We’ll know our dynamic duo within one week’s time, as the pair of hosts will be announced Tuesday, Sept. 11. at a premiere event that’s drawing some big names, including the two current frontrunners for the job.
While there was talk of Khloe Kardashian hosting the show, it’s looking more and more like ‘Glee‘ actor Kevin McHale and ‘Fashion Police’ talking head Kelly Osbourne may be in line for the hosting roles. Not gonna lie, but we’re hoping someone else gets the gig — McHale was so awkward with Demi Lovato at the Teen Choice Awards — but since it’s a fellow Fox gig, he may be shoe-in.
The Examiner reports that the premiere party, which will be held at he Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, will draw the entire judging panel: Lovato, Britney Spears, LA. Reid and Simon Cowell, as well as some famous ‘X Factor’ alumni, including Melanie Amaro and a little old band called One Direction.
As if the premiere party weren’t enough to get fans stoked for the second season, new promos hit the Web that have us on the edges of our seats in anticipation for the new panel’s inevitably entertaining interactions with Simon and Co — as well as for the talent that the show will nurture. We still love a lot of last season’s artists!
“I didn’t know what to expect working with Simon,” Spears admitted in the first clip. “I just knew he had a reputation for being a little … blunt,” she smiled. “But he’s adorable,” she assured, “and I really respect the fact that he says what he thinks and doesn’t really care what anybody else thinks.”
Cowell himself talked a bit about this year’s contestants. “I’ve seen everything on stage this year,” he sighed. “I’ve seen tears, I’ve seen excitement, talent, drama, everything.”
He’s also seen some sassy banter from fellow judge Lovato, who also revealed her initial timidation to working with the cantankerous Cowell. “I was totally afraid of him — he’s so witty,” Lovato grinned. “He’s so hilarious, but he also can be pretty harsh, so I was really, really nervous about working with him. And then I got to the set and it’s basically been so much fun,” she gushed. “We banter back and forth and we have fun all day.”
L.A. Reid also waxed poetic on Cowell. “He’s still the one guy that I really, really look up to, so for him to think of me as a partner is the greatest compliment I can ever receive,” Reid said. “Because I still see him as very much the leader, very much the tastemaker and the man whose career I admire most, more than anyone else’s.”
In the second clip, Reid says this season skews “a little looser, a little younger,” and Cowell admits that Lovato and Spears are the main reason for that. “The reaction to Britney and Demi — I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” Cowell said. “This is a very, very live panel.” Reid agrees. “Britney Spears and Demi Lovato are pop culture right now.”
For their part, Lovato and Spears are modest but self-aware. “I think what we bring is a fresh perspective on today’s music and today’s artists, and what the ‘X Factor’ is today,” Lovato said.
Of course, at the end of the day, ‘X Factor’ revolves not just around the judges, but around the contestants, and this year’s are proving worthy. “The talent has been amazing, and they’ve been really delivering,” Spears said. Cowell added, “It’s almost as if they want it more this time … There’s something in the air right now.”
Watch the ‘X Factor: First Look’ Promo Video 1
Watch the ‘X Factor: First Look’ Promo Video 2