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Simon Cowell quitting ‘American Idol’
by Samia Sehgal - December 23, 2009 - comments
Simon Cowell has been associated with ‘American Idol’ since the very beginning of the show in 2002
Los Angeles, December 23 -- ‘American Idol’ will have to suffer yet another loss as the celebrated judge Simon Cowell, is planning to depart as soon as his contract expires.
According to Simon’s brother, Tony Cowell, he will take his leave from the top-rated talent hunt show after the completion of the 9th season, which is set to begin next month and will be wrapped up by May, 2010.
Tony revealed the information on Tuesday via his weekly radio podcast called ‘The Cowell Factor’. “A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everyone expected -- Simon will leave 'Idol' at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of 'The X Factor' to US TV in 2011,” said Tony, as reported by Britain's Sun newspaper.
Cowell’s criticism no more for ‘Idol’
Simon Cowell’s loud criticism for the contestants was one major pull for the audience. With ratings having already taken the downward spiral since the last three years, this news of Cowell’s exit could give sleepless nights to the people at Fox network.
Fox network was not available for comment, and neither was Simon Cowell, who is reportedly on a holiday.
Cowell has been associated with ‘American Idol’ since the very beginning of the show in 2002 and is counted among the top earners on the U.S. television.
Paula Abdul’s exit
Paula Abdul, who has also been on the judging panel of ‘American Idol’ from the start, left the show in August, amidst reports of her discontent with the amount of money that was being offered to her.
"I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon," Adbul later said in a post on Twitter. "What I want to say most is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. I do, without any doubt, have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."
Ellen DeGeneres—the new ‘Idol’ judge
‘Idol’ producers let Abdul leave and signed on Ellen DeGeneres in her place. Ellen, they announced, would be the new permanent judge on the panel.
Kara DioGuardi, who first appeared on the show last season, will stay on for the upcoming season and so will Randy Jackson, who is bound by a contract for the current season.
Though the ratings have gone down, ‘Idol’ remains the most-watched TV show in America but amidst the departure of old favorites from the judging panel, there are growing concerns, how long will it be able to keep up.