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 kevin

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Who is Simon Cowell anyway. It seems like he just came out of no where. He has a nasty, pompious attitude to boot.

By steve

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

right SIMON has such a nasty attitude -
UNLIKE all of you on here who post such warm and fuzzy remarks -
hahahahaha

Tuesday 12 January

By Jimbo

Vote down Vote up Report this

Simon is a producer with lots of credits to his name. Most of them are from work he did in London, not the USA.
Pauls was a Laker Girl, Choreographer and pop singer.
Randy is a record producer and former bassist for Journey.
All three of the original judges have substantial recording experience and, like it or not, Simon is usually right on with what he says about the contestants on Idol.

By JP

Apologies to everyone. We got so excited over the attention that our Leno/Conan story was getting that we did what we always do, and tried to milk it. This non-story about a non-show will be pulled immediately. Joe Popeater

By Rodney

I don't care if Simon leaves "Idol",that Show needed improvements!

By Stan

ROSCO!!!!!!!!!!! Are you kidding??? This man has more in his little finger than you ever will. He speaks his mind and the truth. Have you really ever watched the show and seen the 99.9% idiots that try out???

By Sally

I didn't like the addition of the fourth judge last year. I can't even remember her name. And now, Ellen De Generes? I just don't get it. When Simon leaves, that will be the end. The show has "jumped the shark".

By Jack

Who gives a fat rat's @ss?

By engkevineng

I think both shows will be successful, but I feel that everyone is fussing about nothing, because

1. This is reality show, and it isn't a huge shock of people leaving
2. The shows are about talent and not about the judges
3. I don't mind what's happening because i'll watch both show because it's about TALENT!!!! and nothing else

By Abbie

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Simon can not quit otherwise I would not watch it and so would half the viewers it had last year. Now with Paula gone some of the viewers already said they were not going to watch it with Paula just think what would happen if he quit too.

By Paul

I just love the BIG nippled man, Simon Cowell! Man is he ever HOT!

By hitman

If new show is operated the same as Idol was where the only contestants are in their 20's and younger than it also will be a boring flop of a show.

By Don

Speaking of judges, I'd like to see Judge Judy and Dr. Laura in a fistfight. Bet Judge Judy would kick butt!

By Dean

Off the air is where they both belong.

By rc

I got sick of American after the second season. If the other programs at that time hadnn't been so sorry I wouldn't have watched it then. I wouldn't care if they all quit. If idol dies maybe that would be a good experimental time slot for Leno or Obrien..LOL Well got to run so I can change the station on my radio..

By KJ

AFTER ADAM LAMBERT DIDN'T WIN THE IDOL LAST YEAR... I'M SURE IT'S ALL RIGGED..... SO I DON'T WATCH ANY MORE.

By Del

On the same page as this article was an article about Paul McCartney. And it donned on me that "Sir Paul" would make an excellent replacement for Simon and I could see him wanting to do it.

By d

i'm not watching it cause sexual perverts make me ill. I don't need to see a woman dressed like a man. Disgusting.

By poisme

I never watched it because I thought he was so cruel to people. I will try it a few times now.

By joanie

I don't know where Simon came from or what he does, other than insult people. He seems to think he knows it all & of course that's ridiculous. I think he needs a serious attitude adjustment. Why would anyone miss him ? He's a very nasty & insecure person, I feel sorry for him going through life that way & seeming to think he's okay.

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