Simon Cowell May Leave 'American Idol' to Focus on 'Factor'
You'll be hearing
Simon Cowell's biting critiques of aspiring singers on U.S. television for years to come, but after 2010 it may not be on
'American Idol,' according to a report in the
Times of London.
Cowell is reportedly considering standing down from his post on 'Idol' after next season and switching his focus to bringing the hugely successful British show
'X Factor' to the USA. Ironically, the report states that Cowell is in talks with FOX to be the home of 'Factor,' meaning he would remain on the same network as 'Idol.'
He is said to have told Fox Entertainment's Peter Rice about his thoughts on leaving 'Idol' at meeting in London six weeks ago. Officials from FOX and 'Idol' yesterday refused to comment.
Cowell has been the star of 'Idol' for its entire eight-year run and made $36 million last year alone. His salary for season nine is reportedly about $45 million.
Without his influence and star power, it's unclear if 'Idol' can maintain its spot as the most popular show on television. It would also end his long and fruitful relationship with Simon Fuller.
According to the Times, Cowell is doggedly determined to make 'X-Factor' a hit in America. Unlike 'Idol,' judges on the show not only pick the singers but also coach them to stardom.
"It has to go to America. There has to be an American version of the show," he has said. "To not take 'The X Factor' to the biggest market in the world would be crazy."
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Simon Equals ...
For his work on 'American Idol,' Simon Cowell gets one of the biggest paychecks in the biz ($45 million/year). That's 1.6 Angelina Jolies! ... financially speaking, of course. See How He Stacks Up Against Other Superstars >>
WireImage
WireImage
At $45 million a year, Simon Cowell = 1.6 Alex Rodriguezes, who makes $28 million per year.
WireImage
At $45 million a year, Simon Cowell = 2.3 Charlie Sheen, who banks $19 million per year from 'Two and a Half Men.'
WireImage
At $45 million a year, Simon Cowell = 3 full Katie Courics, who earns $15 million per year as the anchor for 'CBS Evening News.'
WireImage / AP
At $45 million a year, Simon Cowell = 1.6 Angelina Jolies, who pulled in $27 million in 2008.
WireImage
At $45 million a year, Simon Cowell = 4.5 Paula Abduls, who reportedly wanted $10 million per year to stay on 'American Idol.'
WireImage / Getty Images
At $45 million a year, Simon Cowell = 112.5 Barack Obamas, who gets paid $400,000 to be the President of the United States.
WireImage / AP
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IDOL is so over for me anyway. The British version of X Factor is far more interesting than Idol. Idol will be a circus show this year. So hope Simon will do X Factor asap.
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He should leave, considering paulas gone and how the winner of last season is selling.the show is pretty much over..
HAIL YES I'D MISS HIM. SO THERE YA GO LITTLE BRITCHES !
It's about time he leaves. He should have been gone a long time ago!!!!
AI winners haven't had the best track records. Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are the exceptions. Most of the other winners either have devoted followers or have gone on to obscurity. The AI platform allows other contestants to display their talents and many more finalists have used the show as a springboard for their careers. Examples are Jennifer Hudson and Daughtry. I think it's better to NOT be the winner.
You r so right, with simon there its a steal
Yeah, when they added the queer I stopped watching.
tv shows from U.K. should stay there. us americans have a different taste. im not saying theirs is bad, its just different. lets be honest, the only show from them to ever even remotly make it big was that mr bean guy. and maybe some tv shows like beyond tomorror on the discovery channel. thats about it.
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uh, chris, idol is an import too! it was pop idol in the uk before it was american idol here! also take a look at the roots of the office, big brother, and the weakest link to name only a few.
Chris, it is "we Americans," not "us Americans." And "All in the Family" was a very big American television hit--one of the biggest.
have you forgotten about Susan Boyle? She's one of the highest selling artists here right now.
Simon adds the dash & zip to the show...If he leaves it just be a sugar sweetened love fest with Ellen & Randy...Ellen is great in the day but another dose of saccharine at night will be too much anyway..so who cares...Let Simon go where he is happy.
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Would anybody miss him?
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yes i would miss him and many others would miss him. e makes the show
If Simon does decide to leave "American idol", it certainly cannot be considered a bad move. "The XFactor" is even more entertaining than AI, a glitzy production with lots of great talent and guest stars. Simon managed to even persuade the great Paul McCartney to appear on "XFactor" this season, which was a monumental undertaking given Paul's former vehement disapproval of TV reality shows. If Simon can patch things up with Sir Paul, us "American idol" fans could possibly see Paul appear this season in the role of mentor. Simon's "XFactor" is a real tour de force, so if he does leave AI, it wouldn't surprise me the least.
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Yes, because it is already a shame Paula is gone. They were both so funny together. I am dreading Ellen, she is so goofy, I don't think she knows music enough to be on Idol. It's not going to be the same at all........
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Idol has turned into more of a popularity contest. I do believe since Paula left he wants to go too. And to pick Ellen instead of someone in the music industry was an odd move.
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the producers of American Idol totally screwed up when they did not renew Paula's contract and then now if Simon leaves that will be the end of Idol. Those two made the show a joy to watch, I will never watch that show again. And I used to be a big fan.
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I have to agree. I've already lost interest entirely with Paula gone, and have no desire to watch it at all this season. I don't really care if Simon leaves. It was Paula and her interactions with Simon as well as the contestants that made the show watchable.
Joey Petroni would be a perfect replacememnt.
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