IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

'X Factor' goes live with Khloe Kardashian, Mario Lopez and lots of flirting

“The X Factor” went live for the first time in its second season on Wednesday night, but it wasn’t Britney Spears or Khloe Kardashian the censors had to look out for -- it was judge Simon Cowell.After Vino’s performance (a member of L.A. Reid’s Over-25 team), Simon had to be censored when he used a naughty British expression to tell his fellow judge that his choice of song for the
Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez made their \"The X Factor\" debut Wednesday night.
Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez made their \"The X Factor\" debut Wednesday night.Brian Dowling/ FOX / Today

“The X Factor” went live for the first time in its second season on Wednesday night, but it wasn’t Britney Spears or Khloe Kardashian the censors had to look out for -- it was judge Simon Cowell.

After Vino’s performance (a member of L.A. Reid’s Over-25 team), Simon had to be censored when he used a naughty British expression to tell his fellow judge that his choice of song for the contestant -- Nickelback’s “Gotta Be Somebody” -- was a bad one.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Britney Spears’ early years — a look back!

“I think you’re more of a soul singer than a rock singer,” Simon told the tattooed dad before turning his attention to L.A.

“If you don’t mind me saying, L.A. -- you completely and utterly (expletive) that up,” Simon appeared to say (the censors silenced the words from coming out on television).

Simon then turned “The X Factor” into “The seX Factor” when addressing what appeared to be show co-host Khloe’s revealing top.

“You’re looking very sexy tonight,” the Brit said. “I think the air conditioning’s on high tonight… It’s very distracting.”

Later, another saucy moment came courtesy of one of the contestants -- San Francisco’s Adam Brock -- who asked if he could grab show co-host Mario Lopez’s derriere after the singer performed J.Lo’s “Dance Again.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Keepin’ it real with TV’s hottest reality stars!

“Mario Lopez, can I pinch your butt?” the singer asked.

“Oh! We gotta keep it PG-13 up here, buddy,” Mario replied.

Demi Lovato too got in on the flirty action, after a stellar performance from Emblem3.

“You boys make me swoon,” she said, hiding her face from the band on stage. “I can’t look you in the eye when you sing to me because I’m supposed to be a judge and not, um, you know, flirting with you while you sing… But I love you boys. You’re so talented!”

As for Britney, she seemed to do well under pressure in her first live outing (if a bit short on the adjectives). She told at least nine of the acts they were “amazing” throughout the evening of performances.

David Correy, the singer who recently found his birth mother through the show, actually got the compliment twice from the singer.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Former Disney darling Demi Lovato

“You were amazing,” she said after he sang “My Love Is Your Love,” a tune made famous by Whitney Houston. “You completely surprised me and I was not expecting that. I felt you and it was amazing.”

Other contestants who got the “amazing” nod from the pop superstar included one of the surprise female standouts of the night – Jennel Garcia -- who sang Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home.”

“I felt like you rocked it out… I love your hairstyle, I love the way you dress, I love everything about it. It was really amazing,” Britney said.

And like Demi, Britney was impressed by Emblem3.

“Your trio is amazing. You’re absolutely adorable. I could watch you all night long. You guys were amazing,” she noted.

“The X Factor” continues on Thursday at 8/7c on Fox.

What did you think of the first live show of the season? Tell us on our Facebook page.

Related content:

More in The Clicker: