Simon Cowell Leaving American Idol

PHOTO: SIMON COWELL.

Los Angeles Jan 12, (THEWILL) – Popular Fox TV talent show “American Idol” was dealt a big blow on Monday after longtime favourite Judge Simon Cowell said he’ll be leaving the show at the end of the season. Fox Network made the announcement at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California.

The announcement is coming after it was made public that Cowell’s popular UK talent show, “The X factor” will debut in the USA in the fall of 2011.

Speaking at the tour on Monday, Cowell said, “ I want to leave ‘Idol” this year bigger and better than it was in the past”.

In a statement Cowell said: “I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the US version of The X Factor and delighted to be continuing to work with Fox. We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and we are well very excited about this.”

Simon Cowell is paid an estimated $36 million dollars per season for his work on “Idol.” There have been speculations over his future with the show.

Mr. Cowell confirmed that he missed Ms. Paula Abdul, a judge that left the show at the end of last season but refused to confirm or deny whether Abdul will be a judge on “The X Factor.”

American Idol Premiered in 2002 and has been America’s top television talent show. As it is today, the show will have Randy Jackson, Helen DeGeneres (replacement for Abdul), as judges while Ryan Seacrest remains host. No replacement has been announced for Mr. Cowell. Fox executives said they will not announce a replacement in a hurry.

“American Idol” since its premiere has made stars out of Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, David Cook and Kris Allen.