The X Factor UK premieres August 18

The X Factor UK and ITV announced that the show will return on August 18 for its ninth season.

I'm just somewhat excited. Nicole Scherzinger is now a judge on that show which is clearly a move to destroy the UK franchise once and for all.

From ITV:

Confirmed: It's back! @thexfactor starts 8pm Saturday 18 August on @itv1 #thexfactor #xfactor

— ITV Press Centre (@itvpresscentre) August 8, 2012

From THR:

The judges for the latest season are Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger, who replaced Kelly Rowland, and the returning Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh.

This season's auditions, which have been shot in recent months, will feature Spice Girls Geri Halliwell and Mel B, Anastacia, Rita Ora and Leona Lewis as guest judges.

ITV hasn't unveiled other plans for the new season, but recent buzz has suggested that competitors could sing duets with music legends such as Amy Winehouse and Michael Jackson via 3D holograms from Digital Domain.