The X Factor judges (L-R) L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and Simon Cowell pose at the premiere of Fox's "The X Factor" Season 2 and handprint ceremony at the Chinese Theatre on September 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/AFP)

“The X Factor” has earned a third season from Fox, the network said Monday.

The singing competition underwent a major upheaval following its first season, with judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger being ousted, along with host Steve Jones. The series returned for its second season in September with new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato, and new hosts Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian will begin as the show’s new hosts next month.

Mike Darnell, the president of alternative entertainment for Fox, acknowledged the changes while announcing the renewal.

“This season, Simon and the producers of ’The X Factor’ took an already strong show and made it absolutely fantastic,” Darnell said. “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. We feel great about the show and I’m thrilled to bring it back next year for Season Three.”

“I couldn’t be happier about ’The X Factor’ already being renewed for another season,” series creator and judge Cowell added. “I am so proud of the show and the team who have made it this season. I want to thank our incredible sponsors for their support and creativity, and Fox for going out of their way to do everything they can to make this show a success.”

So far in its second season, ’The X Factor’ has averaged a 3.9 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 10.6 million total viewers.