FOX’s new reality competition wasn’t a big a success out of the gate but, make no mistake, it’s become a very strong performer for the network. Airing twice a week, The X Factor is currently averaging a 4.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 11.6 million viewers.

It’s easily the highest-rated non-scripted series on the network, more than doubling the demo of Kitchen Nightmares. Overall, X Factor is FOX’s second-highest rated show, not far below New Girl.

Even though World Series games messed up the regular schedule, X Factor continued to attract huge audiences. Now that baseball is over and the live shows are well underway, the numbers are expected to grow.

To no surprise, FOX has renewed X Factor for a second season. Here’s the official press release:

“THE X FACTOR” MARKS ITS SPOT! FOX PICKS UP HIT SERIES FOR SECOND SEASON

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.

THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.

What do you think? Are you surprised that X Factor is performing as well as it is? Is it a better show than American Idol?

Image courtesy FOX.