Good news for Simon Cowell. FOX is picking up “The X-Factor” for a second season. Yep, “The X-Factor” will be coming back next year, despite its expensive production and ratings below American Idol standards.

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Simon predicted this reality competition series would be even more successful than Idol. Although “The X Factor” did not meet expectations, it became the top reality show of the fall and the ratings have been steadily improving every week.

“The X Factor is a monumental success,” said Fox’s president of alternative Mike Darnell. “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 what does Simon have to say about this? “I am absolutely thrilled with the news,” Simon said in a statement. “I have loved making the show and I want to thank FOX, our sponsors and most importantly, the fans for supporting ‘The X Factor.’”