Mario Lopez Officially Joining Khloé Kardashian Odom as X Factor Host

Extra host finally confirmed as hosting Fox reality series after weeks of speculation

By Jenna Mullins Oct 16, 2012 11:03 PMTags
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A.C. Slater has come a long way. (Sorry, we couldn't resist a Saved by the Bell joke. Who can?)

Mario Lopez has signed on to cohost The X Factor alongside Khloé Kardashian Odom, Fox announced today. The Extra anchor had been the frontrunner for several weeks to take on the hosting gig, but was not officially on board until today. Odom's hosting role was confirmed by E! News yesterday.

Lopez trumpeted the news via his Twitter: "Alright guys, it's official… I'll be hosting @TheXFactorUSA! Looking forward to working with @SimonCowell and the rest of the amazing team."

Odom also took to her blog today to share the news: "I'm sure you've been hearing the rumors and I'm SO excited that I can finally confirm the news—I am joining The X Factor as co-host with Mario Lopez!!!!" the Keeping Up With the Kardashian star writes. "I'm thrilled, overjoyed and of course a little nervous about this new step in my career, and I can't wait to get started. Wish me luck!"

The duo will take the place of Steve Jones, who was the sole host during season one and was unceremoniously let go after the finale. Though The X Factor has been airing for weeks now, the episodes have been full of pretaped audition segments, and we won't see Lopez and Odom's debut until the live-performance show starts in a couple of weeks.