Well, it’s official. Simon Cowell has confirmed that he’s leaving American Idol when the new season concludes in May.
There have been rumors flying around for months, with Simon’s brother Tony Cowell only saying that a statement would be forthcoming early in 2010.
About a month ago, he said, “A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected: Simon will leave Idol at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of (U.K. talent show) X Factor to U.S. TV in 2011.”
Cowell did, in fact, make the announcement today. The ninth season of American Idol starts tomorrow.
In the statement, Cowell says he plans to launch his X Factor on U.S. TV in 2011.
The news of the Simon’s departure comes just months after Paula Abdul left the show in an apparent pay dispute back in August of 2009. Ellen DeGeneres has taken her spot on the panel.
American Idol is now the most watched show on U.S. television.
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