Simon Cowell May Leave 'American Idol' to Focus on 'Factor'

By PopEater Staff Posted Dec 17th 2009 01:27PM

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."

Tags: american idol, AmericanIdol, simon cowell, SimonCowell, x factor, XFactor

Comments

(126)

Saturday 19 December

By james

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good maybe this will be the end of that stupid show

By AlexYoshida

I was never a very big Idol fan, but I'm familiar enough to have an opinion.
Personally, I don't there will be enough depth to the series, without Simon. Idol will sink even lower.

By JohnnyThunder

Dump Cowell bring on Carrot Top. Now there's an international super star.

By ross

amer. idol is dead !!!

By mary

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I will not be watching American Idol..
When I heard Ellen will be there judging....that was it.
The show is a total set up if you ask me. Fake winners and all.

By Mike Mc

Oh no!!!! How could a guy possibly stand the disappointment. I've never watched Idol, and now I know I never will.

By Louie

I hate this guy just for the way he treats people!!! I'd punch his face in if I ever saw him!!LOSER!!!

By JOANNE

KNOW THAT PAULA IS GONE,I AGREE WITH JAMES,,, KNOW SHE IS ON I'LL NEVER WATCH THE SHOW AGAIN,AND GOOD FOR SIMMON I'LL WATCH ANYTHING HE'S ON BUT SORRY I CAN'T STAND ELLEN,ALL THE YEAR'S I NEVER MISS ONE SHOW AND KNOW I HAVE TO FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO DO. THANKS AMERICAN IDOL YOU JUST LOST ALOT OF FANS FOR GETTING RID OF PAULA FOR ELLEN

By Vickie

Simon should go back home with a pocket full of american bucks to grin with. As, we hardly see him smile on the show at all. His attitude is sour and he does not bring anything with him but insults and making everyone look the fool, mostly the network that employs him. Rayan SeaQuest should take his place.

By dale

another case of people forgetting where and how they made thier money. oh, so now that your rich off of a show you think you can make it else where , NOT

By iL GelatOne

I am sure the fact that he has ownership in the "X" factor has little to do with it, right?

By Will O

Tiger got his Name from his Dad, Now we know why! I believe he has everything a man or woman could want..Physique! money, well built, great athelete! future! his only mistake was getting married...the kids will grow out of it when she re-marries...I'm willing to bet Jasper Parnavick oogled Elin when she was his nanny, if not! then he is a ninny.

By TONY

Its time he left...his 15 minutes of arrogance is long over due....Leaving Idol is only a start...How can we get him to leave the COUNTRY

By dana

Its time he left the show...His 15 minutes of arrogance is long over due...Now the only question left is how can we get him to leave the COUNTRY....

By LST

First, Paula's departure was a big blow to AI, and Degenerate as a so-called "judge," and last, that sick pervert queer Lambert, I am more than finished watching AI, and never will I watch it again. Simon knows the show is finished, and will bail out while he can.

By JimmyTheFoxx

He's just getting out while the gettin's good. This season is going to be an excercise in annoying. I mean, who would want to work with both Kara and the supremely annoying Ellen DeGeneres?

By bob

Bye!!

By Nicole

how about taking westlife to the usa, hmm?

By jbjg24m

not gonna watch AI anymore ! Elen is an idiot !

By kathy143buddy

Damn, how could any of us live without this guy getting 45 Million a year for being an effeminate PRICK?

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