After three years The X Factor is ending its run in the U.S.
Judge Simon Cowell is leaving the show to return to the U.K. version, which he created in 2004. Cowell said in a statement "Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of ‘The X Factor’ in 2014. So for now, I’m back to the U.K. and I want to thank FOX for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows."
The show has had disappointing ratings for all three of its years, especially compared to the network's other singing competition American Idol, even though both shows have stumbled against NBC's hit singing competition The Voice
The LA Times notes that The X Factor hasn't been helped by the rotating cast of judges. Several of the judges including Paula Abdul and Britney Spear only lasted for a single year.
Fox's Chairman of Entertainment Kevin Reilly said "Unfortunately, there is no X FACTOR USA without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life."