It's Official: Simon Leaving "Idol" To Launch "X Factor" On FOX

Herb Longs / Monday, 11 January 2010 16:39

Frank Micelotta/FOX

"American Idol" returns to TV in a little over 24 hours, but it's not the show that is dominating headlines. Today it was made official what we suspected for weeks, Simon Cowell will leave "American Idol" at the end of this season to launch "The X Factor" on FOX.

Cowell said, "There has been a lot of speculation, partly because we didn't have an agreement. We reached an agreement at half past eleven this morning where we have agreed that 'X Factor' will launch in 2011 with me judging and executive producing the show. Because of that, this will be my last season on 'American Idol' this year...[I] didn't think it was right to do two shows in America at the same time, so [I] decided to leave one and start another."

So, who might replace Cowell on the "Idol" panel? Cowell's answered, "I'm going to suggest that Ryan [Seacrest] does it, because he can have another job then—so he just jumps off the stage into the chair and back again...I say just get somebody who knows what they're talking about."

Don't think "Idol" didn't put up a fight, the Denver Post quotes Cowell saying, "I was offered a lot of money to stay on. But that wasn't the reason behind it. I wanted to do something different. I wanted a new challenge." Simon went on to say, "You want to leave on a high. I'm very proud of what the show has achieved...I want to leave 'Idol' this year bigger and better than it was in the past."

One major question that remains is will Paula Abdul figure into this? While some outlets are reporting Abdul has already inked a deal to be a judge on "The X Factor," others report the two are meeting repeatedly to work out the details. All that's official for now is what Simon told reporters today. "I adore Paula. Whatever happens I will be working with her in some capacity."

The US will be the 18th country worldwide to see "The X Factor," as it already has a global audience of more than 500 million, and is the number one TV program in Europe.

“I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the U.S. version of THE X FACTOR, and delighted to be continuing to work with FOX,” said Cowell. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, said, “We have had a very successful relationship with Simon Cowell for many years, and we’re absolutely delighted to continue our relationship with him. THE X FACTOR has been a massive success around the world, and we can’t wait to bring it to the U.S. in 2011.”

“THE X FACTOR has enjoyed an unparalleled success in its U.K. home market and globally,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America. “We are truly excited to bring it to the U.S. and look forward to building another entertainment franchise in the marketplace.”

Watch video of Cowell making the announcement: