Simon Cowell leaving: American Idol OUT, The X Factor IN (video)

There have been rumors about this for many months but none have been confirmed. Then, last month, Simon Cowell's brother announced over the radio this his sibling is finally leaving American Idol to concentrate on The X Factor which is coming to America next year. Still there was no confirmation from Simon Cowell himself, until today.

Simon Cowell leaving American Idol: is Simon Cowell really set to leave American Idol? Yes, 2010 is Simon Cowell's last season with American Idol, the acerbic-
tongued judged said so himself at an announcement to reporters in Pasadena at a meeting of the Television Critics Association. 2010 will be his last season with the blockbuster reality competition show that has produced some of the brightest stars in recent years - Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert to name just two.

Cowell reached this decision to concentrate on The X Factor, a similarly themed program he created in the UK and will premiere on American shores in 2011. Ironically, The X Factor led to a lawsuit several years ago between Cowell and American Idol creator Simon Fuller, who alleged that Cowell copied the format for the British version of The X Factor from the original British Idol. The suit was settled amicably.

Where does this leave American Idol? Will its slide in the ratings continue even faster than before now that Simon will be gone? True, he is just a judge on the show. But admit it or not, he is the real star of American Idol, not the contestants or their talent. The show revolves around Simon Cowell, what his critique of a performance is. He is a HUGE factor in the show's success.

This year saw the departure of one of the show's original judges - Paula Abdul - after she was sacked. Her replacement is Ellen DeGeneres, expected to add her own brand of humor and wit to the format. But Ellen has announced that if Simon leaves, so will she. What will happen to Idol then?

UPDATE: TMZ has reported that Simon is trying to get Paula Abdul for The X Factor! Wow!

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