Simon Cowell's X Factor gets a second series in America

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The X Factor has been given a second series in the US, broadcaster Fox has announced.

The recommissioning of the show, which pulls in an average of 13 million viewers, is likely to be seen as a justification for Simon Cowell.

He left hugely successful US talent show American Idol for the programme.

Simon Cowell said: "I have loved making the show and I want to thank Fox, our sponsors and most importantly the fans for supporting the X Factor."

Cowell has missed the current series of the show in the UK for the first time by joining the judging panel on the US version, which is ranked as the number one reality show on television.

'Fantastic season'

Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment at Fox, said: "The X Factor is a monumental success.

"It's won every night it's been on the air, the talent is phenomenal, the live shows are spectacular and picking it up is a complete no-brainer.

"Simon and his team have done an incredible job with the show and I'm absolutely thrilled to bring back the X Factor for another fantastic season."

The UK show, with three new judges, has been battling to match the audience levels of last year.

Louis Walsh has been joined on this year's panel by head judge Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos.

The talent show has fallen behind Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings over recent weeks.

Noel Gallagher also hit out at the programme recently, declaring it "no good" since the departure of Cowell.

The former Oasis guitarist, who turned down a mentoring role on the programme, said it had worked better with the music boss as head of the judging panel.