Simon Cowell made the bombshell announcement he's leaving American Idol. Simon's not leaving TV just yet. His next job will be to bring his hit British TV show The X Factor
Simon Cowell is speaking out about his bombshell announcement that he's leaving American Idol after this season.
"This is my last year on American Idol. I think you know when it's time to move on. I don't think you shouldn't be doing the same thing over and over again and we left on really good terms," says Cowell.
INSIDE EDITION spotted Simon in his chauffeured black Rolls Royce, arriving to announce the huge news. But he's not leaving TV. He just signed a deal with Fox to bring his British talent show The X Factor to America, which features big guest stars like Britney Spears.
Cowell says, "It's a bigger show to make than Idol and we needed extra time which is why we did it in 2011."
The question is, what will American Idol be without Mr. Nasty?
Sharon Waxman of the showbiz website wrap.com says, "American Idol is going to suffer without Simon
Cowell. He was one of the foundational characters on that show, he is definitely one of the reasons we tune in."
Now the buzz is Simon will ask Paula Abdul to be a judge on the The X Factor. He was asked about the possibility on Ryan Seacrest's radio show on LA's KIIS FM.
Ryan Seacrest asked, "Is there a Paula Abdul in your future?"
Simon Cowell replied, "You'll have to wait and see, Ryan."
Meantime, Paula's replacement, Ellen De Generes had this to say about Simon leaving: "He's a huge part of that show but he wanted a change. I wish him all the luck in the world hosting The Tonight Show.".
