Khloe Kardashian -- 86'd from 'X Factor'

Khloe Kardashian has been eliminated from "X Factor."

Fox released a statement moments ago, claiming Khloe will NOT be returning as a host for Season 3 ... but Mario Lopez will.

The network didn't give a reason for chopping Khloe, but said, "We really enjoyed working with her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors." Translation: Sayonara sucker!

We think they screwed up by making her read a teleprompter -- it was a total "deer-in-the-headlights" experience watching her struggle through the shows.