L.A. Reid, "The X Factor" judge, says he is leaving the TV talent show next season after two years on the panel.

Simon Cowell is considered a brainchild for more reasons than one and now "The X Factor" fans know why. Cowell offered not one, but two surprise twists in Thursday's elimination episode of "The X Factor." Last week, the show was left with the Top 12 and unexpectedly Cowell shocked viewers and the live audience when he announced that the judges realized they made a mistake and would return a contestant who was booted last week. "We watched the show back and the final 12 we're very happy with, but we believe we made a mistake with one act," said Cowell. In case the crowd misunderstood Cowell, the show's host Mario Lopez added, "We had 12 acts and now apparently we have 13...Welcome the 13 finalists!"

The episode "The X Factor" Top 16 one-hour special was rebroadcast in its entirety on Tuesday, Oct.23. After Fox threw the hit reality singing competition show a curveball-the network preempted the special by only showing only of half Episode 11, fans were able to see a rebroadcast to learn which of their favorite acts made the final cut Top 16 contestants. Episode 11 featured the big reveal at Judges' Homes for their respective categories- Britney Spears' Teens, L.A. Reid's Over 25s, Demi Lovato's Young Adults, and Simon Cowell's Groups.

Mother Nature has thrown Simon Cowell and "The X Factor USA" fans a major curve ball. On Wednesday, Oct. 17, Fox abruptly yanked "The X Factor's" Top 16 mid-episode and switched to a baseball game due to poor weather. Rainy weather delayed Game 3 of the National League Championships Series, which ultimately led to the reality show's fans to miss out on the final minutes of what was previously scheduled. "Have no idea what is happening to the schedule tonight," Simon Cowell tweeted. "Have heard the whole episode will be shown next Tuesday. Sorry. It what's known as a total f up," Cowell added.