Simon Cowell: Khloe Kardashian Is ‘In The Frame’ To Host The X Factor

“The X Factor” Season 2 premieres tonight — without a host — but showrunner Simon Cowell says the casting decision is nearing finality.

“We’re getting close. I think I know the two people it’s going to be now,” Simon told Access Hollywood at “The X Factor” Season 2 premiere party in Los Angeles on Tuesday, when asked when the new host/hosts will be revealed. “But, everyone’s got an input.”

The music mogul did confirm that there will be two hosts, as originally planned for last season (there were supposed to be two hosts for the FOX reality competition – Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger — but Steve was forced to fly solo after Nicole was promoted to judge to replace Cheryl Cole).

“It’s going to be a boy and a girl,” he told Access.

Reality star Khloe Kardashian has been rumored to be a frontrunner for the show’s female hosting spot, and Simon admitted the 28-year-old is definitely in the running.

“[Khloe] is in the frame, you know?” he said. “But, you know, everyone’s got an opinion. We’re going to find out.”

As for his ratings hopes (the Brit famously declared Season 1 premiere would pull in 20 million viewers – it fell 7.5 million short of his prediction), Simon said he’ll be happy with any number that is “more than” NBC’s reality singing competition, “The Voice.”

Watch the Season 2 premiere of “The X Factor” – with new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato – tonight and Thursday at 8/7c on FOX.

— Erin O’Sullivan

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