Cowell to Leave ‘American Idol’
It’s official. Simon Cowell announced he is leaving “American Idol” when his contract expires in May 2010, Reuters reported. He told reporters today that he is launching a new show on FOX in 2011. He will be a judge and executive producer.
“We reached an agreement formally . . . this morning,” he said. “What we have agreed is that ‘The 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’ this year.”
A replacement judge has not been announced yet. Fox said that “American Idol” will keep its time slot in the spring. Cowell’s new show, “The X Factor,” will debut in the fall.
The ninth season of “American Idol” premieres Tuesday on FOX with new judge Ellen DeGeneres on board.
