Simon Cowell: Khloe Kardashian Could "Definitely" Host X Factor

USMagazine, Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 10:15am (PDT)

Simon Cowell can be such a tease.

Appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show with fellow judge Britney Spears, 30, September 11, the 52-year-old acerbic Englishman dropped a few clues about who will replace Steve Jones as host of X Factor's second season.

PHOTOS: Khloe Kardashian's best red carpet moments

"I know whom I would like, but now I have to get it approved by the network," Cowell said. "So I think it would be wrong to say at this point, just in case the network says no."

Host Ellen DeGeneres, 54, wasn't satisfied with Cowell's answer. "Give us three names that it could be," she pleaded.

VIDEO: Why Britney Spears says the X Factor judges "ganged up" on her

"We have screen tested a load of people. . .It could be a Kardashian," Cowell said. "I think that would work. I'm quite a fan of not putting [experienced] hosts on this show. Because I think it's going to give it a different dynamic. So we have to find people who have a great chemistry, but Khloe is definitely up there in running."

Just days ago, two sources told Us Weekly the 28-year-old E! reality star had impressed Cowell and other FOX executives. "It's not official but she is definitely a strong contender for the hosting gig," one show source said. "Simon liked her spunky personality!"

PHOTOS: Demi Lovato's X Factor style

Though a rep for the network had no comment, a source close to Lamar Odom's wife confirmed she's close to scoring the gig. "It's not 100 percent contractually done, but it's looking good!"

Other rumored replacements for Jones include Chrissy Teigen, Kevin McHale and Miley Cyrus. The X Factor premieres September 12 at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Simon Cowell: Khloe Kardashian Could "Definitely" Host X Factor