What Will Happen to 'Idol' and 'Factor' Now?

By Mike Hess Posted Jan 11th 2010 04:39PM

With word that Simon Cowell is leaving 'American Idol' after this season to start 'The X Factor' in the U.S., the fate of the 'Idol' juggernaut is uncertain. If Cowell wants to, he could offer up some stiff competition to his 'Idol' alma mater, leaving the show with a big "how do we compete against Simon?" conundrum. However, if he plays nice, he could work closely with FOX and 'Idol' on how to differentiate the two very similar shows. Also, does this open up the door for a triumphant return for Paula Abdul? We explore all of the 'Idol' and 'Factor' scenarios (including Paula) after the jump.

'Idol' and 'X Factor' go as such: Unknowns audition among a panel of judges, are then selected to compete, and then it's in the hands of the viewers to pick their favorite crooner. So without some major changes to one show's format, it doesn't seem like there's enough space for both right now. Cowell says he left 'Idol' because he "wanted to do something different. I wanted a new challenge." Aside from a title change, we'll go ahead and assume Simon's got some tricks up his sleeve to make 'Factor' its own animal ... because otherwise, what's different?

What's the Difference Between 'Factor' and 'Idol'? Not Much:

'Factor' Auditions

'Idol' Auditions

As for 'Idol,' they're losing their main voice and the reason that a good portion of its audience even watches the show. Face it: Simon's insults and overall grouchiness makes for good television whether you like it or not. So what does 'Idol' need to do?

"I suspect -- put this down as my crazy revelation for 2011 -- that Paula Abdul will return once Simon is out," Showbiz411 columnist Roger Friedman tells PopEater. "That will be a big PR event," Friedman adds.

As for the programs themselves, Friedman says "two shows are different enough," and that 'Idol' likely won't be going head-to-head with 'Factor,' but rotating during off-times.

The key difference between the shows is that 'Factor' lumps contestants into categories -- mostly by age and solo/group, whereas 'Idol' is everyone solo against everyone, no matter how old they are.

And if Paula isn't around, there's another judge already there who could take the 'Idol' reigns.

"We forget that Randy Jackson is very capable of taking over in a big way if he wants to," Friedman says.

However, it should be noted that Cowell started off in 2001 as a judge on Britain's 'Pop Idol,' and after leaving following the show's first season to start 'X Factor' (which resulted in nasty lawsuits), 'Pop Idol' lasted just two more seasons before it was replaced on the ITV network with ... wait for it ... 'X Factor.'

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Simon Cowell Snapshots

The always-cool Simon Cowell is seen here sporting some mean aviator shades as he leaves an 'X Factor' taping in November. Click for More Simon Pics >>>

Neil Mockford/FilmMagic.com

FilmMagic.com

Simon Cowell Snapshots

FILE - In this Feb. 22, 2009 file photo, television personality Simon Cowell poses in West Hollywood, Calif. Cowell said Monday, Jan. 11, 2010 that this will be his last season on "American Idol." (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, file)

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 file photo, Simon Cowell poses on the press line at the Elton John Academy Award viewing and after party in West Hollywood, Calif. Cowell's brother says the next season of "American Idol" will be the judge's last. Tony Cowell said in his weekly podcast, "The Cowell Factor," that a statement was being prepared that would certify that the acerbic British judge was leaving the popular Fox signing competition at the end of 2010. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

FILE - In this March 20, 2008 file photo, Simon Cowell attends the Details magazine Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. A grass-roots Facebook campaign has spoiled American Idol mogul Simon Cowell's Christmas of 2009 by denying one of his new acts the prestigious "Christmas No. 1" spot in Britain. Thanks to a Facebook campaign that capitalized on growing unhappiness with Cowell's cookie-cutter approach to pop stardom, the antiestablishment Rage Against the Machine came out ahead of Joe McElderry, winner of Cowell's popular "X Factor" TV competition. (AP Photo/Phil McCarten, file)

X-Factor judge Simon Cowell is seen on December 10, 2009 in London, England. X Factor Finalists Sighting - December 10, 2009 London, England United Kingdom December 10, 2009 Photo by Neil Mockford/FilmMagic.com To license this image (59115842), contact FilmMagic.com

Neil Mockford/FilmMagic.com

Simon Cowell arrives at the X Factor Studios on November 27, 2009 in London, England. Celebrity Sightings In London - November 27, 2009 London, England United Kingdom November 27, 2009 Photo by Jack/FilmMagic.com To license this image (59020703), contact FilmMagic.com

Jack/FilmMagic.com

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

Comments

(88)

Monday 11 January

By rosco

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

this guy is a certified idiot & always pissed off attitude anyone in thier right mind would dislike this jerk what suprises me is he is still in one piece the way he talks & treats people mabey someday we all will read his name in the obituary collum?also the show will go on the party dont stop when a idiot leaves, It gets better, As will this!. over paid & over rated idiot!!!!.

By Toni

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

OH Please. If some of those people have the absolute nerve to go on that program without the thought that they will be rediculed is insane....Simon is doing a job and telling the truth. These people are adults and have seen his brutality..like a stripper who entices a rapist and then says, Oh my gosh, I never thought he would do that. Get a life.

By Hubeda Craig

If it were not for Simon, there would be no American Idol. Yes...he's a bit crass, but someone needs to tell these kids the truth and not lead them on. That someone is Simon

By chris

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jealosy will get you nowhere

By karen

Can I ask a question to all of you responding on this forum...We all know who Simon Cowell is, right? We all love to watch the reactions of the people when he gives them the straight info? No one asked for him to be nice, that was the whole point of him being there since season 1.

Wednesday 13 January

By Matthew

IDIOT? I think he is very very smart,He is the one there and we are the ones here, Remember this show takes someone with Balls to say or do what he does. and that what audiance like to see. that what makes money in showbiz. and Buttom line in showbiz money is what they are after and ratings,hhh. He did well, hope the next one to replace him, will be like him. other wise american Idol will not do good.

By beradino

Amen to that, could not have said it better myself.

Tuesday 12 January

By fromthom

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

This "idiot" could buy you for what you are worth and sell you for what you think you are worth and double his fortune. He tells people what they have to hear. If they are no good, they are no good. Simon doesn't sugar coat what he says.

By Egypt

I dont blame him i blame his mother,,she should have taught him manners and social behavior and clearly she did not,,will idol survive? sure and maybe even do better,,,he was cruel beyond need,,all he had to do was push a buzzer and say no,,,sorry,,but he is CRUEL!!! there is no need for cruelty, personally i hope somebody does exact revenge on him,,couldnt happen to a more desrving S.O.B.

By bill

I could not have said it any better.

By laura.....

did u audition 4 american idol? ;-P :-)

By Susan

I am not sure if ANY of them will be successful off on their own, including Simon. Their was a special chemistry there between Simon, Paula, Randy & Ryan. Many shows & people have gone before them trying to do the same thing & lets face it, we are talking about reality TV here & not acting talent.

By johnny

I am going to miss simon - what a terrible season - no paula less of simon and a man named ellen who pretends she is a girl - i will stop watching this year if kara goes lesbian on us - i am so over all these lesbians on tv - bring back joan rivers - she is the only straight one left!

By denise

I've already decided not to watch this year, it's over for the show. Huge mistake getting rid of Paula, and bringing on Ellen.

By Vickie

best said yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AGREE..............

By howard

Hope the JERK falls flat on his face..Who would want to watch this NASTY HATEFUL MAN.....

By Mary Ann

Just about everyone watches it, and Simon is the star regardless of what you think.

By AL

SIMON IS A PRODUCER AND A STERN CRITIC OF MUSICAL TALENT,BUT HES IS NOT THE ONLY PERSON OUT THERE WHOM CAN JUDGE TALENT, THERE ARE MANY OTHERS LIKE: ANDREW LOYD WEBER, DAVID FOSTER JUST TO NAME A COUPLE. i THINK IDOL WILL BE FINE BUT WHAT DOES ELLEN KNOW ABOUT MUSIC???

By hmenglish

we don't need another lesbian , adios simonidiot , now i'll watch idol . he is the biggest jerk since obama .

By stan

Susan, I hate to say it but Simon owns the shows and will do great where ever he goes.

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