‘The X Factor’ USA: Mario Lopez wants season 3 return, talks L.A. Reid replacement

Are we going to see more of Mario Lopez on “The X Factor” USA moving forward into season 3? If the former “Saved by the Bell” actor and host of “Extra” has his way, he would certainly like to see it happen alongside Khloe Kardashian … even if he came under heavy fire for at times coming across as robotic and unsympathetic to the contestants.

Speaking on the subject of his return to Life & Style Magazine, Lopez began the conversation by confirming that there are no official talks just yet when it comes to him being back for a third season, but he does say that he enjoyed his time on the show ever since the live rounds began in early November:

“I would love to [come back] … I had a great time this season. It was awesome. It went by really quick.”

So who does Lopez want to see in the place of departing judge L.A. Reid? His answer is ultimately an interesting one in that he is hoping to see a third woman join the panel rather than another man to even out the sexes:

“I’ve been campaigning for my girl Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas … I think she would be awesome. We’ve been friends for a long time and I think she’s talented and I think she’d be an awesome judge/mentor. She’s cool and hip and I think the kids would really respond to her and like her.”

The irony here is that Fergie is a possible replacement on the panel, though we see her more as a substitute for Britney Spears than for Reid. Spears’ $15 million salary is going to be difficult to justify keeping around, mostly because you are paying her more than a dollar per every average viewer the show drew all season long. The days of paying big-name stars huge contracts may be running out as overall audiences drop, and it is becoming clear that viewers are really looking more for a panel that gets along well than one that necessarily has a music icon on board.

Do you want to see Mario or Fergie on next season? If you want to read our recent three-part review of “The X Factor” USA season 2, you can do so over at the link here.

Photo: Fox