Fox Renews 'The X Factor' for Third Season

Nino Munoz / FOX

Fox on Monday ordered a third season of The X Factor, set to debut in 2013.

our editor recommends

'X Factor,' Comedies to Air as Part of Fox's Extended Primetime Block Tuesday

It's Official: 'X Factor' Names Khloe Kardashian, Mario Lopez Co-Hosts

'X Factor' Editors Working Overtime to Re-Cut Episode Following Baseball Pre-Empt

“I couldn't be happier,” series creator and head judge Simon Cowell said in a statement. “I am so proud of the show and the team who have made it this season. … The gloves are off! Expect fireworks!” That team includes new judges Demi Lovato and Britney Spears, who joined Cowell and L.A. Reid for season two.

The show has averaged a 3.9 rating among adults 18-49 and 10.6 million viewers this season. That puts it in the top 15 of network series among adults 18-49 and 18-34.

Said Fox president of alternative programming Mike Darnell: “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 and Demi -- alongside Simon and L.A -- have brought an incredibly fun new chemistry to the judges’ panel that our fans really love.”

Recent additions to the cast include co-hosts Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez, whose first day on the job will be Nov. 1, when the top 16 acts also will be revealed.

X Factor has an exceptionally high social engagement, and artists discovered via the format -- especially in the U.K. -- have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

Twitter: @THRTV