Right after the season that is just now starting ends, that is.
After months of speculation, it was officially announced today that Simon Cowell will be leaving his ‘American Idol’ judging chair after the show wraps this coming May.
But fear not Simon Cowell fans, the judge that everyone loves to hate isn’t disappearing from the world of Television. Not by a long shot, actually. According to Simon Cowell himself, he is leaving his ‘American Idol’ gig to serve as executive producer and judge on the American version of his UK hit show ‘The X-Factor,’ which will begin filming in 2011.
“I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the U.S. version of ‘The X Factor’ and delighted to be continuing to work with Fox,” Cowell said via statement. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.
“We have had a very successful relationship with Simon Cowell for many years,” Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, said. “And we’re absolutely delighted to continue our relationship with him. ‘The X Factor’ has been a massive success around the world, and we can’t wait to bring it to the U.S. in 2011.’”
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Here’s a little something interesting…..some news outlets are reporting that Simon Cowell literally wined and dined Paula Abdul recently in England, in an attempt to get her to agree to be a judge on his new show. That’s all conjecture at this point, however.
I think ‘American Idol’ will be able to survive Simon’s departure, but I sort of feel sorry for Ellen DeGeneres. I mean she just signed on to be a judge, and she loves Simon. I don’t think she’ll give up her judges chair, I’m just saying I feel a bit bad for her.
Ellen DeGeneres sees things a bit differently, however…..