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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With the addition of Ellen Degeneres (what the hell) and the possible departure of Simon, the show is screwed.
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I hated him from the first day it ever came on. He was an arrogant SOB, and didn't belong on any show.
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Maybe he should run for President, anyone can do better than OBAMA, IMPEACH DEPORT!
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DON'T WATCH SHOW DID BUT HE MAKES ME SICK YEAHHHHHH GOOD HE WILL NOT BE MISSED.
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He won't be able to put up with DeGeneris anyway.
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Simon is so well known, he makes the show. I would not enjoy American Idol without him being on the show. He is a great favorite of mine.
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Maybe he should run for President, anyone can do better than Obama, IMPEACH, DEPORT!
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please no simon and no paula what a boring show why the picked ellen degenerate for a judge is beyond me she is not sexy she knows no music and she is just not right for the show please simon your the only reason why people love your show dont go
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American Idol is a terrible show, it doesn't matter who is on it. Cookie-Cutter artists selling millions of pointless albums. Who cares ?
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Simon is great on that show. My question is why do stars and sports player make so much money? Unbelievable....That show won't be the same without him. But he needs more money so he has to move on...Enjoy
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Idols done. Without Paula it's nothing and honestly it's getting old.
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THANK GOODNESS Simon is leaving...he's such a horrid person.
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Hummmm....why do I think Simon will b asking for 'mo money in the near future?!
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X Factor is by far a more entertaining show than American Idol. I just hope he brings Cheryl with him to be a judge. X factor would be a much bigger success than Idol. If i=I were Simon I would go for it.
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Who gives a bloody hoot?!!!
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Of course he will leave. The show is on a decline, and with the addition of ELLEN(final straw), Simon does not want to be on a show thats irrervalent.
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First of all I don't like the name Idol. It should be named America's best singer. Next, I don't like Cowell's deliberate attempts to inject homosexuality into the shows he is involved in. Fortunately, decent Americans voted him down.
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GREAT NEWS...SEND THE english FAG LOW LIFE BACK HOME AND TAKE THE SUCK*SS SHOW WITH HIM
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No, Idol would not be as good without Simon. The show has lost its luster and now with Paula gone... I am afraid it is really losing it's appeal. The winner of the last 2 or 3 seasons have also been mediocre.
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What? Degenerate is going to be on American Idol? Well you can just forget it. I will not be watching it just on that basis alone. Cowell would have been OK without Paula, but this twerp, forget it.
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