Simon Cowell's Top Picks For 'X Factor' Judges Include Faith Hill, Kelly Rowland; New Season Premieres This Fall

Next season of The X Factor could be all about girl power. Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato have confirmed they will be returning to the "X-Factor" judges table for next season, but Cowell's wish list to replace departing Britney Spears and L.A. Reid is reportedly all female. Cowell has reportedly instructed his underlings for the show not to worry about getting major recording artists, but rather focus on chemistry between the judges. Faith Hill and Kelly Rowland are reportedly Simon's top two picks, but he's also seriously considering Jennifer Love Hewitt, Hilary Duff and latina singer Paulina Rubio.

Rowland would have some experience in the role, having previously spent time as a judge on the UK version of the show. Rubio is also currently a judge on a Spanish version of The Voice that features only kids. 

As for Lovato, she said that she's more than happy to be returning for another season.

"When you have the opportunity to be in front of America every single week several times a week, that's a very incredible opportunity," she said to Billboard. "I was on the Disney Channel forever and...  I never used to get recognized by adults, and now when I'm at the airport or the grocery store, the guy behind the register will be like, "I love you on X Factor!" It's really awesome to have expanded my fan base."

Mario Lopez has also confirmed that he will be returning as the show's host and taking on the gig solo after Khloe Kardashian announced she will not be returning.

Ratings dropped significantly for the second season compared to the first, but remains one of the highest rated show on Fox. The new season will premiere in the fall. Tate Stevens was the most recent winner of the show.