Michael Becker / FOX

Ryan Seacrest appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" to promote the New Year's Eve special and addressed the reports that claim "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell will be leaving the show at the end of this season.

Seacrest said, "As far as I know, those are just rumors...He has not told me anything about leaving the show."

Ryan did, however, acknowledge Cowell's plans to bring "The X Factor" to the United States.

Last week, Tony Cowell, Simon's older brother, broke the news on his podcast that his brother will be leaving the show after this season.

"Simon prepares for a new season of 'Idol,' or should I say his last season of 'Idol?," Tony said. He added, "Okay, I will. Because it is. As I sit here in the sunny Caribbean with my family, a press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everyone expected." Tony continued, "Simon will leave 'Idol' at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of 'The X Factor' to US TV in 2011. As for the panel, we'll have to wait a few months to get the answer I know you want."

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