Simon Cowell could leave American Idol as he exports the X Factor to U.S.

By Paul Revoir

Goodbye: Simon Cowell may be leaving American Idol, to launch the X Factor in the U.S.


Simon Cowell could be leaving US hit show American Idol at the end of the next series and launching an American version of The X Factor.

Cowell, whose contract with the Idol show expires in May, has been in talks with broadcaster Fox since last summer.

An announcement is expected in the next fortnight and it is thought that a U.S. version of The X Factor will be lined up for 2011.

The future of American Idol, which is by far the biggest show in the country, will be thrown into jeopardy if Cowell leaves it.

As well as being a judge, The X Factor is produced by Cowell, while in the Idol series he only appears as a judge.

Cowell has made a success of The X Factor in the UK and is credited with taking many of the creative decisions responsible for its success.

It is believed he is incredibly keen to take more control of the shows he appears in and be more involved in the production process.

Also if his company makes the show in the US it will be much more lucrative for him than American Idol is.

Insiders believe that once his US deal is tied down Cowell will then begin negotiations with ITV about a new contract.

While all broadcasters are slashing performers' salaries, the TV star is now viewed as so indispensable to the UK network, many believe he will buck the trend.

He has already been responsible for getting ITV to dramatically increase budgets for The X Factor and spread the show over two nights.

The tactic has more than paid off with the series massively opening the ratings gap between itself and the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

Sunday's final, which got 19million viewers, saw Joe McElderry crowned winner of this year's series.

The show has included big name guests such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Robbie Williams and Paul McCartney.

American Idol is credited with being the U.S. show that defined the decade.

Many industry experts believe that if Cowell left then the show would not be able to continue.

Like in the UK his appearances as judge on the programme dominate much of the series.
It is claimed that six weeks ago Cowell told Fox entertainment chief Peter Rice of his plans.


source: dailymail