Mario Lopez Joins 'The X Factor'

Yup, it’s for real! After weeks of speculation on who will be stepping up to judge, “Extra” anchor Mario Lopez has confirmed he will be appearing as a judge on the upcoming season of “The X Factor.”

Lopez tweeted the news:

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

He’ll be joined by “Keeping Up with The Kardashians” sister Khloe Kardashian Odom, who posted this on her blog about the honor:

"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!!!!"

Kardashian added, "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!"

How about hard-to-please veteran judge Simon Cowell?

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

The two are stepping in for judge Steve Jones, who was given the boot after the season one finale. Though the show has been airing for a few weeks now it’s been largely taped audition segments, so you will be able to catch Lopez and Kardashian on the live-performance show, which will air in a few weeks.

What do you think about the casting choices? Lopez certainly has charm and pizzazz to spare, and Kardashian’s known for her dry and straight-from-the-hip attitude, but can they handle a singing competition?