Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez will join the payroll of "X Factor" -- filling the spot left vacant by Steve Jones.

The finishing touches are being put on their deals, but the announcement will be made some time this week. We're told the duo's salaries will add millions on top of an already enormous talent budget ... with Britney Spears in the lead at $15 mil. Khloe and Mario will debut in November.

Lopez will make for a stellar emcee — thanks to his years of hosting "Extra" and MTV's own "America's Best Dance Crew", but what does Khloe bring to the stage?

Last month, an X Factor source told Us Lamar Odom's love had impressed Cowell and other FOX network executives. "Simon liked her spunky personality!" the show source revealed.

Cowell said. "I think that would work. I'm quite a fan of not putting [experienced] hosts on this show. Because I think it's going to give it a different dynamic. So we have to find people who have a great chemistry, but Khloe is definitely up there in running."