Debut ... mixed response to Khloe Kardashian's new role. Photo: Courtesy of Fox

Khloe Kardashian's first outing as the new co-host of The X Factor in the US helped boost the show's audience by 30 per cent, yet the reality star got mixed reviews for a nipple-baring debut that made headlines - but many American TV critics found awkward.

Kardashian, 28, best known for starring with socialite sisters Kim and Kourtney in Keeping Up with the Kardashians, shocked some viewers by wearing a sheer purple blouse without a bra on last week's first live episode of the TV singing contest.

"I think the air conditioning is on high tonight. It's very distracting," judge and producer Simon Cowell quipped on the show, apparently referring to the glimpses of nipple.

But Kardashian was less impressive in her hosting duties.

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The Washington Post said Kardashian "came across like the novice she is, shouting her lines despite the mic clutched in her hand and making awkward small talk with contestants and judge and executive producer Simon Cowell."

Nevertheless, Kardashian brought more eyeballs to the show. Some 7.4 million viewers watched The X Factor on Fox television, according to early ratings data, up some 30 per cent from last week's 5.7 million and a 13 per cent increase in the 18-49 age group most coveted by advertisers.

Kardashian was Cowell's personal pick for the job as part of his efforts to revamp the singing contest after a disappointing first season. But the reality star's lack of experience had already raised eyebrows, and X Factor has often drawn a smaller audience than last year.

Cowell told reporters earlier this week that Kardashian "wants to prove (to) anyone who doubted her that she's capable of doing the job ... she really has got a fun personality."

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The K Factor proves a sheer success