Simon Cowell to Leave 'Idol'

January 11, 2010 | Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell to leave 'American Idol'

It's official -- Simon Cowell is leaving the judging panel on "American Idol."

See photos of Simon from over the years

The judge has confirmed this will be his final season on "Idol."

Cowell, 50, will be a judge and executive producer of the U.S. version of "The X Factor," premiering on FOX in 2011. "The X Factor" is shown in 17 countries worldwide and is the number one TV entertainment format in Europe. The show also launched the career of "Bleeding Love" songstress Leona Lewis.

In a statement, Cowell, announced, "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." He added, "We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this."

"Idol" host Ryan Seacrest tweeted about the news and added, "He is one of the most brilliant people in our biz! Congrats."

The new season of "American Idol" begins Tuesday on FOX.

See photos of memorable "American Idols"

american idol jordin sparks
comments

I think American Idol got it all WRONG! They should have fought for Paula and got rid of Kara…She is a copycat, has no real mind of her own. She is not a real, honest person/judge. When Simon leaves that has to be the end of Idol. They should do a reunion show of all the previous show winners and call it a day!

Pexpdre
March 3, 2010

Very sad to hear that Simon is leaving Idol - especially with Ellen arriving this season - both Ellen and Simon are two of my favorite celebs and I was really looking forward to several seasons with both of them on Idol. Simon was the spark of the show - with his brutal honesty - will definitely miss him - the show will just not be the same.

Lori
January 12, 2010

Bye Bye American Idol. Love him or hate him he is the fire of the show and without him the others will sit there and say nicey niceys to people who can’t carry a tune in a basket.

susie
January 12, 2010

All of the ones that say they are glad to see Simon leave are the same ones that can’t sing and would if they haven’t already audition for American Idol and thought they could sing until Simon told them they were in the wrong profession….wake up..if it wasn’t for Simon there would be no American Idol…do your homework

Bettie
January 12, 2010

I am really bummed that Simon is leaving I think he brings so much color to the show. I see all these posts that he is mean and rude but he is actually real and I feel the show will not be the same without him.

beth
January 12, 2010

IM Glad hes leaving he disrespects alot of singers
he hurts there feelings the only thing he wants is Paula where she goes he follows like a puppy dog

Elizabeth
January 11, 2010

I FORGOT TO TELL PEOPLE THAT SIMON’S DISRESPECTFUL WAYS TO SINGERS GIVES OTHER JUDGES THE LICENSE TO BE DISRESPECTFUL TO OTHER SINGERS.. THEY WATCH IT AND THINK THAT; IF SIMON IS RUDE. THAN IT IS OK FOR ME TO BE DISRESPECTFUL TO OTHERS..

MILES
January 11, 2010

I’M GLAD THAT SIMON IS LEAVING… HE WAS A VERY RUDE JUDGE.. IT WASN’T CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. BUT JUST PLAIN UNEDUCATED AND DISRESPECTFUL. I WATCHED MANY KIDS; WHO WERE GOOD GET VOTED OUT OF AMERICAN IDOL. HE WAS THE MAIN REASON WHY I NEVER ENTERED AMERICAN IDOL.

MILES
January 11, 2010

I will miss Simon. I agree he is brilliant and, yes, he know’s it.

marianne
January 11, 2010

the show won’t be the same without Simon Cowell. He was tough on the contestants but he was honest and did not give them false hopes.

Laurie
January 11, 2010

What TERRIBLE news, on the eve of the new season, no less. Now my excitement and joy for tomorrow night is gone. At least he’s still going to be on American TV, and still on Fox, but it won’t be the same, and we’ll have to go FOURTEEN MONTHS without him before X Factor starts!!!!! I know I’ll love X Factor when it comes here, because if Simon is on it, it will be awesome (and I love the UK version), but HOW could Fox continue Idol without the man who is its life blood? I heard that they have not actually contracted for more seasons of Idol yet, so maybe they will instead move X Factor up to January 2011. That would be great!!!

Barnsinger
January 11, 2010

Despite some of the cruel and somewhat helpful comments he’d make, at times, he’ll be missed. I guess he deserves a holiday after all this time.

reselle
January 11, 2010

This will be the final year I will watch Idol if Simon is gone. I will miss Paula also and as far as the new judge, she wasn’t much last year. I never missed an episode of American Idol in the past and I won’t this year but this will be the end for me. I predict that Am Idol will end with this season.

kat
January 11, 2010

I am glad to see that Simon will not be returning to “Idol”.I just might become a fan of the show when he leaves.Bye Bye Simon won’t be watching X Factor either!

Lee
January 11, 2010

Sad news. Bye bye, AI. We’re going wherever Simon goes.

GinaNYC
January 11, 2010
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