Demi Lovato confirms X Factor exit

Los Angeles — Demi Lovato says she's leaving The X Factor to focus on her music career.

In an interview after Wednesday's performance show the 21-year-old singer-actress said she wanted to return to her "roots".

Lavoto plans to devote next year to touring and working on a new album.

X Factor producer-judge Simon Cowell said working with Lovato has been "fun", but the timing is right for "something new." Cowell would not comment on potential replacements for Lovato.

This is the Heart Attack singer's second season on the judging panel of the Fox competition.

Lovato's fourth studio album, Demi, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in May.

The season three X Factor winner will be announced during Thursday's finale.