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It’s officially the end of an era, folks: just one day before the premiere of Season 9, Simon Cowell has confirmed that he will be leaving American Idol after the conclusion of this season.
According to EW’s Hollywood Insider, Cowell told the Television Critics Association today that he will be leaving the Fox juggarnaut in 2011 to fully devote himself to managing (and judging) the U.S. version of his British talent series The X Factor. Says Cowell:
“We did talk about me staying on both shows but when we looked at the practicalities of that, it was impossible,” Cowell told the press. “In my opinion, it’s like having a good player and a good football team. The two have to be okay together. I believe it’s not my show, but it’s still very close to me. We made sure when we did this, that I would be protected. I’m confident it will continue to be the No. 1 show. Everyone is committed to keeping it that way.”
Watch Cowell discuss his departure here:
There have also been rumors that if Cowell did leave Idol for X Factor, he would bring Paula Abdul with him as a judge. If that comes to pass, will there be any reason for viewers to keep watching American Idol, which would be left with only one of the original judges—and not necessarily the fans’ favorite one—remaining?
Both Idol and X Factor will have entertaingly awful and awesomely talented contestants, complete with heart-string-tugging backstories that rope audiences in. But X Factor will have two things Idol doesn’t: a fresh take, and two of the show’s most beloved personalities.
Maybe Ryan Seacrest can do double duty as a judge and host? Lord knows he’s being paid enough.
Guess we’re about to learn whether Cowell’s famously high opinion of himself is correct.
I think Idol will drop eventually – there will be rumours throughout this series, and then before the semi or the final, the announcement will be that “this is the last Idol ever” in order to try and attract the highest ever audience for the final.
Now that Simon joins X-factor a place where Paula Abdul judges also: http://bit.ly/simon-cowell-leaving-idol-details
Tis clear that Simon and Paula Comes in two package… I say GG for the idol season this year.
First Paula, now Simon!?!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Opl3TCK0o
It has never been d same without paula…it could get worse without simon.
I've reduced my interest in Idol over the years because the “talent” they push through is too redundant and does not interest me musically. IMHO they've been unable to match the excitement, talent and quality of Season 5. No one since then has matched Taylor's charisma, versatility and performance ability. The pure joy he brought to his performances was infectuous! It kept me coming back everey week to see what he'd do and how he'd top his last performance.
I doubt I'll watch the X Factor either. My only interest would be curiosity. I'm tired of Simon getting rich off us for doing nothing! His lack of interest and knowledge in American music is appaling. He hates country music, did not understand pure soul when Taylor sang it, and failed to recognize the jazz staple of scatting when a contestant used it as part of her audition. He citicized he for forgetting the words. Randy said “she was scatting.”
cone ranger i think that you're wrong in a way…. if he dislikes country music i doubt that Carrie Underwood would have ever recieved such great comments and critics from him. Heck………if u think that's the best season you're so wrong? Look at Chris Daughtry Carrie Underwood Kelly Clarkson Jennifer Hudson………Personally i think that year's idol winner is the second least succesful idol winner. infront of Season 2 winner