Simon Cowell has announced that the second season of The X Factor USA will have two hosts.

The show’s judge told reporters this week that he wants one man and one woman to host the talent series.

"It will be two. What we've learned on the show is you have so much information you have to relay as one person that I think it's almost impossible to have one person doing the hosting job. You have to give out so much information from phonelines to integration of the sponsors; they are like newscasters now, it's a much bigger role.

A two-time American Idol cast-off has been inspired to return to school to finish his education by an Idol camerawoman.

Travis Orlando, who was voted off Idol last week for the second time in two years, will return to school in New York to gain his GED after being inspired by the words of a camera operator.

Orlando had shared his tale of being homeless, living in a shelter and dealing with his dad’s health issues.

American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has shot down Simon Cowell’s suggestion of a “super final” between the winner of Idol, The X Factor USA and The Voice.

Cowell raised the idea on Twitter, saying it might be interesting to see the winners from the three talent shows going head-to-head on the same show.

"Just a thought," Cowell tweeted. "I'd be up for it."

Idol contestant Kristi Krause explains what really happened to fellow contestant Imani Handy, who collapsed several times during the group round.

The 16-year-old Idol contestant who fainted and fell off the stage on last night’s episode is fine according to Idol reps.

Symone Black dramatically closed out last night’s Hollywood Week premiere by taking a stumble off the front of the stage  while singing ‘Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay’.

Black was shown being tended to by production staff including producer Nigel Lythgoe before the episode concluded.

American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has fired a shot or two towards rival talent shows.

Lythgoe told reporters that he thought The Voice was “gimmicky” and that it would not produce talent of the same calibre as Idol.

He stressed that he was happy with the way Idol is performing in the ratings, despite posting low numbers compared to previous seasons.

Idol’s trip to Portland last night generated average ratings for Fox which could be blamed on the average talent on show.

18.2 million tuned in to Wednesday’s episode, with a 5.9 rating among adults 18-49.

This is down 9 per cent on last week, despite still claiming the top spot for the night for Fox.

Paula Abdul has joined the exodus at The X Factor USA, with Fox announcing the veteran judge will not be returning.

The news comes just hours after Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger were confirmed to be leaving the show.

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting, said: "We love Paula.  She is a remarkable talent and we appreciate all of her contributions. We're lucky that she is a part of the FOX family, and we look forward to working with her again soon."

Nicole Scherzinger is also departing The X Factor USA according to reports.

Following the news that X Factor USA host Steve Jones will not be returning this year, the Pussycat Dolls singer is said to be on the way out.

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that sources close to the show have confirmed that she will not be returning.

X Factor USA host Steve Jones has announced he is stepping down from the role.

The Welsh presenter took to Twitter to announce the news that he will not be returning to the series this year.

He wrote: "I wont be hosting next seasons X Factor which is a shame but I cant complain as I've had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show (sic)."