Now that Britney Spears and L.A. Reid are officially not returning to The X Factor, Simon Cowell has been on the hunt for two replacements to fill their spots — and according to past X Factor contestants Emblem 3, he’s finally found them! Kelly Rowland, 32, and Paulina Rubio, 41, are signing on for next season. Read on for all the details.

Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio Joining ‘X Factor’

Previously, Simon was interested in hiring unlikely candidates Reba McEntire and Jennifer Love Hewitt, but Kelly and Paulina are his final picks! Sources close to FOX told TMZ that the songstresses were in final negotiations to join returning judges Demi Lovato and Simon on season three. And on the blue carpet of the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, the guys of Emblem 3 confirmed to HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that Kelly and Paulina were in fact heading to the judges’ table!

We’ll miss seeing Britney and L.A. on the hit series, but we think Kelly and Paulina will be perfect additions to The X Factor! Paulina is a Latin pop superstar who is sure to bring some extra spice to the set, and Destiny’s Child alum Kelly already has a lot of on-camera experience judging for the UK version of The X Factor. She’ll be so comfortable in the judge’s seat! Plus, now that Kelly is joining the show, could that mean a Beyoncé cameo? Fingers crossed!

Congrats on your new gigs, Kelly and Paulina! Are YOU excited to watch them on The X Factor, HollywoodLifers?

WATCH: The X Factor’s Carly Rose Sonenclar On Working With Britney Spears

– Maxine Studebaker

More ‘X Factor’ News:

1. ‘X Factor’ Season 3: Jennifer Love Hewitt Joining As A Judge?
2. Khloé Kardashian Not Returning To ‘The X Factor’ For Season 3
3. Demi Lovato Returning To ‘The X Factor’ For Season 3

At only 14, Carly Rose Sonenclar is about to release a new cover video, will be working on a new album, and even performing at Best Buy theater! She visited Hollywoodlife.com’s offices to talk about how X Factor judge and mentor Britney Spears inspired and helped her plus what she has planned for her exciting future.

Carly Rose Sonenclar Talks Transition From ‘X Factor’ To 8th Grade

After coming in second to Tate Stevens on season two of The X Factor, Carly headed back to eighth grade. Could you imagine?!

“It’s kind of weird! Before the show, I did singing acting, but never at this level. I was on Broadway, but it wasn’t the same. People still treated me like a normal kid. And they still treat me like a normal kid to a certain extent, but you know. When I play softball now, and I go to different schools, after the game, they’ll be asking to take my picture, which is kind of weird because I just played against them in a softball game!”

Fortunately, friends and family who know the real Carly, treat her exactly the same and she loves that.

“My close friends are the same, and the people in my grade are the same because they’ve known me for so long. In other grades, it’s a little different because they just kind of stare at me, and it’s kind of awkward!” she explained.

As for her new professional singing career, Carly Rose reveals, “basically, the first step was getting signed to Simon Cowell‘s company (Syco Entertainment) . Now from here on, it’s about finding the right team, getting in the studio, keeping my fans engaged.”

Next up, is a concert at NYC’s Best Buy theater. She’ll be hitting the stage on August 10 for a concert to support The Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Carly Talks Britney Spears: What She’s Really Like

Carly Rose says that Britney Spears was a great role model.

“She’s very sweet and kind, and kind of shy,” Carly said about her X Factor coach Britney Spears. “Some people are surprised to learn that’Britney’s shy, because she’s Britney Spears, but I mean, it’s different than when you’re on stage. She’s very humble and softspoken and very sweet.”

She relates to Britney in that respect, explaining that she too is often quiet and reserved off stage, but then lets loose when she performs — the same way Britney does. But that’s not all they have in common.

They both started as child stars, and she feels that they really connected because of that experience.

However, she also looks up to five other artists and groups: Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Adele, and Maroon 5.

“They’re not just [singing] pop songs that sound the same as everything else,” Carly said. “I want people from all ages to kind of, think that I’m a real artist.”

Well, we do think that Carly!  Watch her full interview below, and buy tickets to see her at Best Buy theater here!

WATCH: The X Factor’s Carly Rose Sonenclar On Working With Britney Spears

– Bonnie Fuller

More X Factor News:

1. ‘X Factor’ Finale Recap: The Winning Act Is Revealed
2. ‘KKTM’: Khloe Kardashian Wanted To Fake A Heart Attack To Skip ‘X Factor’
3. Mario Lopez To Host ‘X-Factor’ By Himself?

From construction work to national performances for thousands, it’s safe to say Tate Stevens‘ life has dramatically changed over the past year. After winning The X-Factor in December, Tate released his debut album, Tate Stevens, on April 23, and he credits much of his successes to music mogul L.A. Reid.

Tate Stevens: ‘Who Doesn’t Love Love Songs?’

“My single out now is ‘Power of a Song,’ Tate, 38, told us when he stopped in the HollywoodLife.com office. “Who doesn’t love love songs?”

We know that Tate is a devoted lover. We saw on the show each week, how much his love for wife, high school sweetheart  Ashlie Stevens and his two children, son Hayden,17, and daughter, Rylie, 12, actually  inspired  Demi Lovato to declare that she hopes that one day she’ll find a man who loves her as much as Tate loves his wife!

And Tate’s devotion to his family  hasn’t changed an iota since his career skyrocketed.

“It’s just the time away from home – that’s really been hard. But we knew that after X Factor was over, some sacrifices would have to be made, Tate explained to Hollywoodlife.com. ” To be quite honest, nothing’s really changed at our house, just that I have a cool job,” Tate explained.

L.A. Reid’s Advice For Tate

With a mentor like L.A., Reid, co-founder of LaFace Records, it’s no wonder Tate won the show.

“Just be confident in what you do because you’re great,” L.A. advised him. L.A. also insisted that stars don’t have confidence issues”, so Tate needed to put his insecurities behind him.

That sounds like a good tip for a new singing star to live by!

So, HollywoodLifers — are you excited for Tate’s new album? Tell us below! Now watch our interview with Tate below.

WATCH: ‘X Factor Winner Tate Stevens‘

– BONNIE FULLER

More Tate Stevens ‘X Factor’ News:

1. ‘X-Factor’ Pepsi Commercial, Starring Tate Stevens To Debut During The Grammys
2. ‘X Factor’s’ Tate Stevens: Real Reason He’s Performing ‘New Year’s Eve’
3. Tate Stevens To Perform During ‘New Year’s Eve Live!’ On Fox

With Britney Spears and L.A. Reid officially gone from The X Factor, Simon Cowell‘s on the hunt for two new judges — and according to a new reprort, the undershirt aficionado is open to some very unlikely candidates. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Reba McEntire and Kelly Rowland are all on Simon’s short list, a source tells Us Weekly.

Simon is said to be “very interested” in Jennifer, who currently stars on Lifetime’s The Client List. Though she’s best known for her iconic acting roles, Jennifer is also a successful recording artist, making her a totally viable candidate in our book. Her Client List character, Riley Parks, has even been getting into music lately!

As for Kelly, a friend tells the mag it’s a “done deal.”

And then there’s Reba. We could totally see the bubbly country star dishing out advice every week on the hit Fox series, and since her ABC comedy Malibu Country has yet to be renewed for a second season, she might have some extra time in her schedule.

HollywoodLife.com has reached out reps for all three stars and The X Factor for comment.

WATCH: The Emblem3 Boys Give Us Their Picks For New Judges

HollywoodLifers, which stars do YOU think should join The X Factor as judges next season? Drop a comment with your picks!

Us Weekly

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

More ‘X Factor’ News On HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘The X Factor’ Season 3: Simon Cowell Wants Lady Gaga To Judge
2. Khloé Kardashian Not Returning To ‘The X Factor’ For Season 3
3. Demi Lovato Returning To ‘The X Factor’ For Season 3

Sorry, X Factor fans, but you’ve seen Khloe Kardashian‘s nipples for the last time. Fox announced April 22 that the youngest Kardashian sister will not be returning as Mario Lopez‘s co-host for the show’s upcoming third season; the former Saved By The Bell star will fly solo.

“I’m looking forward to returning to The X Factor team,” Mario said in a statement. “We’re coming back stronger and better than ever and I’m excited to check out all the new talent.”

Simon Cowell also expressed his excitement about Mario sticking with the show, though he made no mention of the exiting Kardashian.

“I’m thrilled Mario is back for Season Three of The X Factor,” Simon said. “Hosting a live show and keeping the judges – especially Demi – in line, is not an easy job, but Mario is a pro and we are glad he’s coming back.”

‘X Factor’ Season 3 Judges

So far, Simon and Demi Lovato are the only judges confirmed to be appearing on The X Factor‘s upcoming third season. Both Britney Spears and L.A. Reid have decided not to continue with the show, leaving two empty seats on the judges’ panel.

So who will fill them?

HollywoodLife.com has exclusively learned that Simon is eyeing Lady Gaga for one of the two remaining spots — and we’d love to see her get her judge on!

We also recently caught up with X Factor finalists Wesley Stromberg, 19, Keaton Stromberg, 16, and Drew Chadwick, 20 — better known as Emblem3 — for their celebrity of choice. And after (I think) jokingly suggesting Ronald McDonald, the boys settled on Justin Timberlake.

WATCH: HollywoodLife.com Interviews Emblem3

HollywoodLifers, are you bummed that Khloé is leaving The X Factor? And which two celebs should join the show as judges? Drop a comment with your picks below!

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

More ‘X Factor’ News On HollywoodLife.com:

1. Demi Lovato Returning To ‘The X Factor’ For Season 3
2. ‘The X Factor’ Season 3: Simon Cowell Wants Lady Gaga To Judge
3. Emblem3: ‘The X Factor’ Sensation Announces East Coast Tour

Britney Spears and L.A. Reid may have flown the coop, but Demi Lovato will still be a judge on The X Factor for its upcoming third season, FOX announced March 28. This makes Demi, 20, and Simon Cowell the only remaining judges, with two slots in need of filling.

Demi Lovato Returning To ‘The X Factor’: Why She’s ‘Excited’

“I am so excited to return as a judge and mentor on THE X FACTOR,” Demi said in a statement. “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!”

Simon Cowell Is ‘Pleased’ To Be Keeping Demi Lovato

Simon, 53, is also pumped to have Demi back.

“I couldn’t be happier that Demi wants to come back this year,” Simon added. “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!”

Earlier this month, HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY reported that Demi was “mostly a lock” to return to the hit singing competition show, and we’re thrilled that Demi proved us right!

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Are you glad Demi’s sticking with The X Factor, or were you hoping for fresh blood in season three? Cast your vote below, then drop us a comment with more of your thoughts on season three.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More X Factor news on HollywoodLife.com:

1. Demi Lovato Likely Returning To Judge ‘The X Factor’ Next Season
2. Fifth Harmony Reunites With Demi Lovato — Watch The Video
3. ‘The X Factor’ Season 3: Simon Cowell Wants Lady Gaga To Judge

Prepare to have a heart attack, Lovatics! While Britney Spears and L.A. Reid may be abandoning their posts at The X Factor, HollywoodLife.com has exclusively learned that Demi Lovato is “mostly a lock” to return as a judge in season three — and that’s not all the former Sonny With A Chance star has up her sleeve!

According to our source, if Demi does return to The X Factor, she’ll be doing some major collaborating with girl-group Fifth Harmony! Even though the girls were on Team Simon Cowell last season, Demi will “most likely” sing on one of the group’s singles and share the X Factor stage with them for a live performance.

We spoke to Demi in Dec. 2012, and she told us she’d be open to the idea of collaborating with the girls.

“I am always open to collaborations, and I would like to show these girls a ‘Thank you,’ and show them how much they have done for me,” Demi told us. “If I can help in [an] album in any way or to collaborate since they are so down to earth girls.”

Emblem3 and winner Tate Stevens will also perform during season three, our source confirms.

What Will Fifth Harmony’s Debut Album Sound Like?

When Fifth Harmony first hit the recording studio last month, we spoke with a source who told us the girl group is hoping to become the next Spice Girls!

“It’s going to be a fun pop album the likes of Spice Girls and early Destiny’s Child,” our source revealed. “It’s going to have a fun flavor of radio-friendly hits and ballads, because they really want to live by their name.”

Sounds good to us!

HollywoodLifers, are you excited for Fifth Harmony’s debut album? And do you hope Demi returns to The X Factor? Drop your comments below!

— Andy Swift, reporting by Russ Weakland

Follow @AndySwift

More Demi Lovato news on HollywoodLife.com:

1. Demi Lovato Shares How She Likes To ‘Spice’ Up Her Style — WATCH
2. Demi Lovato Releases New Lyrics Video For ‘Heart Attack’ — Watch
3. Fifth Harmony Reunites With Demi Lovato — Watch The Video

Fifth Harmony is hard at work on their debut album, but they still have time to have fun, and that’s exactly what Fuse filmed the girls doing recently, in a video where they chatted about what their lives have been like since the show ended and so much more. Pretty awesome!

Fifth Harmony has been working on their new album, but also have had time to be filmed by Fuse while getting ready during a recent trip to The Grove in LA for the TopShop TopMan Grand Opening. The documentary-style video shows the girls chatting about The X Factor, their album and Demi Lovato!

Fifth Harmony Will Be The Next Spice Girls!

Many have wondered what Fifth Harmony’s album will be like. HollywoodLife.com has learned EXCLSUIVELY that, “It’s going to be a fun pop album the likes of Spice Girls and early Destiny’s Child. It’s going to have a fun flavor of radio-friendly hits and ballads, because they really want to live by their name.” As for collaborations, we were told, “While it’s not out of the realm of possibility, none have happened yet. Currently their are no collaborations on deck, but that doesn’t mean remixes won’t be made. Our source added, “The whole process is starting, and they are all seeing what works. It’s going to be a good, fun record. They are gearing up to be the sexy and fun female version of One Direction.”

Check Out The Video Below!

So HollywoodLifers, what do you think about the latest look into Fifth Element’s lives? Sound off below!

WATCH: Spend A Day In The Life with Fifth Harmony

– Russ Weakland

Follow @mrsandwich96

More Fifth Harmony News:

1. Fifth Harmony Reunites With Demi Lovato
2. Fifth Harmony Tweets First Pic From Recording Studio
3. Fifth Harmony To Become Next Spice Girls?