By Selena Hill (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Mar 29, 2013 02:12 PM EDT

It's been confirmed that Demi Lovato will return to "The X Factor" for season three as a U.S.A. judge.

The singer released a statement expressing her excitement to come back to the singing competition reality show saying, "I am so excited to return as a judge and mentor on The X Factor. Last season was an unbelievable experience and I really enjoyed developing personal relationships with the contestants and the panel."

Lovato, who was a blunt critic and show favorite added, "I look forward to taking my previous experience and applying it to make this season even better!"

She also tweeted, "Had an amazing time overseas and so excited to come home and share the news that I'll be returning to@TheXFactorUSA!!!" on Thursday.

Judge and "X Factor" creator Simon Cowell praised his fellow judge stating, "She's a superstar in her own right and was a fantastic mentor last year." He continued, "Even though she can be really, really annoying, I truly enjoyed working with her and so did the artists. I'm especially pleased she's back even during her world tour."

Cowell and Demi are the two confirmed judges for this year's series, however Britney Spears and LA Reid will not be not returning.  A representative for Fox said there is still no word on whether hosts Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian Odom will return to fill those two empty seats.

Lovato is expected to announce a tour in support of her upcoming album which is scheduled for release later this year.  The first single "Heart Attack" is already a hit.