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

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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)

Tuesday 12 January

By Earl

Vote down Vote up Report this

Good riddance! Send the talentless, big-mouth jerk back to England. We have enough mindless drivel on TV the way it is.

By Dawn

I've already decided NOT to watch this season's AI simply because Paula has been replaced by DITZY Ellen Degenerate!!! No way am I going to look at her ugly mug while she's on the show!!

By hero

Ah, yet another stupid tv show I won't be watching.

Saturday 16 January

By KADEN

WHERE HAVE ALL THE WHITE SHOW'S GONE, SO SICK OF ALL BLACKS HISPANICS, AFFIRMITIVE ACTION TAKEN A LITTLE TO FAR

By bon

Simon rocks, get a grip people who wants to watch a ho hum show Simon adds the rt amount of interest to the show along ofcourse Miss paula but thats not there anymore, my idea would be cancel, after this season no reason to watch anymore..And did you all forget how he helps many of these kids out behind the curtains,, he is actually a nice and funny man, not that I kno him in anyway, but if you can read the crap about try reading the good hagd all

By Jeff

It will be a sad day for "Idol" when Simon leaves. It is already going to suffer this season from the loss of Paula and her replacement by an Industrial Diesal Dyke which will cause a lot like me from watching but the loss of Simon will be the straw that breaks the Camel's back. And to think that I really used to like this show....Sad !!

Monday 08 February

By Lynn

I think David Foster would be a great judge on Idol..on the other hand, Howard Stern would be a deal breaker for me......I wouldn 't watch anything that piece of crap does..He makes Simon look like a choir boy...

Wednesday 26 May

By Bosha

Simon is what has kept the show on (besides Paula)..Without him, forget it..there was a lot of stuff going on with Paul, but it did not disrupt the show..she did have issues..nothing that could not have been fixed, if the producers would have dealt with her problem..She was very good at what she did..AND, Simone cannot be replaced..even with his spicey tongue he told it like it was and I was always in agreement...sorry, but IDOL is in trouble..I will follow Simone wherever he goes..

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