Demi Lovato is returning for season 3 of The X Factor, the show announced Thursday.
Last season, Lovato joined Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, and fellow new judge Britney Spears on the series; Reid and Britney will not return when the show starts up for another round this fall.
The youngest judge and mentor to the Young Adults category, Demi brought a fresh perspective to the panel and won over legions of X Factor fans with her playful banter, spot-on critiques and genuine encouragement.
Lovato returns to the show amid the breakout success of her latest single, “Heart Attack,” which recently achieved gold status in the U.S. within just four weeks of its release.
“I couldn’t be happier that Demi wants to come back this year,” said Simon Cowell. “She’s a superstar in her own right and was a fantastic mentor last year. Even though she can be really, really annoying – I truly enjoyed working with her and so did the artists. I'm especially pleased she’s back, even during her world tour!”
“I am so excited to return as a judge and mentor on The X Factor,” added Lovato. “Last season was an unbelievable experience and I really enjoyed developing personal relationships with the contestants and the panel. I look forward to taking my previous experience and applying it to make this season even better!”
Lovato has had a phenomenal start to 2013, spurred by the release of “Heart Attack,” her first single off of her untitled, upcoming fourth album. The single recently debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes chart in 18 countries (including the U.S.) and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (the second-best Billboard debut of the year).
Demi Lovato
See also:
Demi Lovato releases Heart Attack lyric video
Demi Lovato taking a break from Twitter
Britney Spears featured in new X Factor commercial
Demi Lovato sings national anthem at Game 4 of World Series
Demi Lovato to host Teen Choice Awards
VIDEO: Britney Spears featured in first new X Factor promo
Britney Spears & Demi Lovato confirmed as X Factor judges
Demi Lovato to join Britney Spears as X Factor judge
VIDEO: Demi Lovato rocks American Idol
VIDEO: Demi Lovato covers Moves Like Jagger