Normally reality competition shows aren't exactly our cup of tea when given the choice between them and fantastic narrative television like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, really anything on AMC, and more, but when a pop culture giant like The X Factor comes along, we like to keep everyone informed every now and then. That's why we're letting viewers know that Fox has renewed the American Idol copycat alternative for a second season so we can keep Simon Cowell in those black baby t-shirts for many years to come. For the full press release and details on the upcoming live broadcasts, hit the jump.

Here's the full press release:

FOX has ordered a second season of unscripted series THE X FACTOR, it was announced today by Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the news,” said Simon Cowell. “I have loved making the show and I want to thank FOX, our sponsors and most importantly, the fans for supporting THE X FACTOR.”

“THE X FACTOR is a monumental success,” said 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 I’m absolutely thrilled to bring back THE X FACTOR for another fantastic season.”

Over the course of the 20 hours that have aired, THE X FACTOR has emerged as the No. 1 reality series on broadcast television this fall and is outperforming returning hits like “Survivor” by +27%, “Dancing With the Stars” by +38%, “Amazing Race” by +47% and “The Biggest Loser” by +104%. In addition, THE X FACTOR is one of the top three new series and one of the top ten shows overall this season. Averaging more than 13 million viewers, THE X FACTOR has significantly improved FOX’s year-over-year time period performance on Wednesday and Thursday nights among total viewers by +78% and +38%, respectively, and among Adults 18-49 by +37% and +41%. Additionally, thanks to THE X FACTOR, FOX is now No. 1 among Adults 18-49 on Thursday nights for the first time in the network’s history.

Tonight, for the first time this season, fans of THE X FACTOR will be able to vote for their favorite Top 12 Finalists, including: Girls – Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow and Drew; Boys – Astro, Marcus Canty and Chris Rene; Over 30s – LeRoy Bell, Stacy Francis and Josh Krajcik; and Groups – InTENsity, Lakoda Rayne and The Stereo Hogzz. With the help of their mentors, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A. Reid, the finalists have been training hard for their LIVE performances, airing tonight Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Don’t miss the Top 12 as they battle it out for America’s votes, THE X FACTOR title and a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

Immediately after tonight’s performance show, fans will be able to vote via 1) Twitter at twitter.thexfactorusa.com; 2) Verizon Touch Voting on The Xtra Factor App on Verizon Android devices; 3) toll-free calling; 4) text messaging for Verizon Wireless customers; and 5) online at TheXFactorUSA.com. Fans with valid Facebook accounts can also vote at Facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA.

On Thursday, Nov. 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), tune in for a special performance by Outasight, and to find out which finalist will be sent home from the competition.

Visit www.TheXFactorUSA.com for up-to-the-minute news, videos and information. Become a fan of THE X FACTOR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. Follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA and join the discussion at #XFactor.