Exclusive: Simon Says Leaving 'Idol' is 'Emotional'

January 11, 2010 | Exclusive

Simon Cowell is talking to "Extra" in his first interview since the announcement that he's leaving "American Idol." The tough judge says he made the deal right before walking on stage for the press conference!

"We agreed to the deal at half past eleven this morning," Cowell reveals. The press conference was scheduled for 12:00 PM. "It literally was as down to the wire as that."

Cowell knew it was time to leave "American Idol" for the US version of "The X Factor." "I've been doing this for nine years and it's been a blast," he confessed.

Cowell thought about juggling both "Idol" and "The X Factor," but decided it would be best to "concentrate on one main show."

It's hard to believe, but straight-faced Simon admits leaving "Idol" is "emotional," confessing, "It did feel a little bit emotional when I [made the announcement] because then it's real... and then you remember all the good times you had."

What will the rest of his "Idol" team say? Host Ryan Seacrest tweeted a congratulatory message for Cowell, but Simon believes he is secretly celebrating. Cowell jokes, "I heard a lot of popping champagne bottles."

He adds, "There will be fireworks display outside his house tonight."

Tune in to "Extra" on Tuesday for more of our exclusive interview with Simon!

Simon Cowell
comments

Well OF COURSE he will leave American Idol because the love of his life left. Are you kidding me? Simon would of “so stayed” on American Idol if Paula would not of left. Why the heck do you think that he’s been thinking about bringing the X factor to the States for a long while but never did it? He’s ONLY doing it NOW because He knows that that’s the way that He and Paula will be reunited. TRUST ME.

AmericanIdolhater
January 23, 2010

Please say it is not so! Forget the quick wit the guy knows a bit about what he is doing and we have come to count on that.

Debbie Samples
January 20, 2010

I don’t really understand all the hoopla about Simon. A man who thinks he is Gods gift to women in his t-shirts and who gives snotty comments. Others can do the same thing. I think a younger guy (to round out the panel) who knows music would be good. They don’t need 4 judges. It is supposed to be about the kids anyway. Try guest judges…keep it fun. I judge for myself and don’t really care what the ‘professionals’ think.

irene
January 14, 2010

Aside from his other positive character traits, without the honest and professional judgements from Simon, critiques will only be common opinions. After he’s gone, so are we…

Musicians
January 12, 2010

I can’t wait 2 C Xfactor,it so ON!! wonder is Paula followin him 2 Xfactor

Curtis
January 12, 2010

IDOL will NOT BE the same without Simon! - He’s the judge everyone loves to hate; but he really makes the show what it is! To all of us ‘loyal Idol watchers’, it’s sad…

Cathy
January 12, 2010

Simon leaving Idol won’t be the same!! I mean he is pretty hard to the people but thats the way he is! Oh well I wish him the best on his next project!

ana
January 12, 2010

Can’t wait to see the X Factor in USA!!!

tj
January 12, 2010

Big Deal

Mike
January 11, 2010

Simon said he was leaving Idol over 6 months ago. Why is it a surprise now.

Anonymous
January 11, 2010

I just can’t believe this is happening!!!! I know we’re not losing Simon altogether, but after the Season 9 finale, we’re going to have to wait FOURTEEN MONTHS before we see him on TV on a weekly basis again. And X Factor is great, but it’s just not Idol. I REFUSE to watch Idol without Simon, and I think they should just pull the plug after this season. Life as we knew it will never be again.:(

Barnsinger
January 11, 2010
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