The X Factor Host Shortlist: Khloé Kardashian Odom, Kevin Jonas and a Glee Star

Exclusive! Simon Cowell and the show's producers are expected to make a decision within the next week

The search is almost over!

The X Factor is this close to announcing the two new hosts for the reality competition's second season, and the show's producers have narrowed the list of contenders down to seven or eight names, a network insider exclusively confirms to E! News.

As we previously reported, Khloé Kardashian Odom is on the shortlist for the female host, while her fellow E! star Kevin Jonas is also in the running.

On the female side, other names in the running include Rocsi Diaz, host of BET's 106 & Park, and Chrissy Teigen, a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and John Legend's girlfriend.

Glee star Kevin McHale, Extra host Mario Lopez and former High School Musical star Corbin Bleu, who was in the running for the gig in season one, are all competing with Jonas to replace Steve Jones as the male host of the Fox show.

McHale recently cohosted the Teen Choice Awards with new X Factor judge Demi Lovato, which was said to be an audition of sorts for the hosting job.

 

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Our source tells us a decision will be made within the next 7-10 days.

Last week, Simon Cowell revealed he's looking for two hosts with no previous hosting experience, saying, "That will make it more interesting."

The X Factor season two premieres this Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m. on Fox.