Simon Cowell - Michael Becker/FOX
The rumors are true: the ninth season of American Idol will be Simon Cowell‘s last.
Cowell confirmed speculation today that he would exit Idol to bring his British talent competition, X Factor, to the states.
“There’s been a lot of speculation, partly because we didn’t have an agreement. We reached an agreement formally at about half past 11 this morning,” the LA Times quoted Cowell as saying. “What we’ve agreed is that ‘X Factor’ will launch in America in 2011 with me judging the show and executive producing. Because of that, this will be my last season on ‘American Idol.’”
Simon’s brother Tony Cowell prematurely announced Simon’s plans during his weekly podcast in December. Fellow judge Randy Jackson said recently that he hadn’t spoken to Cowell about leaving, but he wouldn’t believe the rumors until he sees it.
The obvious question on everyone’s mind now that Cowell’s exit has been confirmed: Can American Idol survive without its infamously brash, but honest judge? Yes, says Cowell. “In my opinion, I think it’s like having a good player in a good football team … when the player retires from the team it will continue to be successful. ‘Idol’ is not my show, but it’s very close to me. I genuinely believe this show can last for 10 or 20 years. I’m confident it will continue to be the No. 1, and everyone’s committed to keeping it that way.”
The ninth season of American Idol premieres tomorrow (January 12) on Fox. US X Factor is set to launch, also on Fox, in Fall 2011.
Idol is done… when Cowell leaves, their ratings will officially become toilet fodder. But then again, isn’t X-Factor a re-working with the same general format? Hellooooo Mr. Moneybags…
Who cares???? AI is a cut and dried show anyway. I already lost my interest to see the show. With the guest judge like Posh with her non expressive/stiffed face, who want to watch this two hour show????