It’s official — Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol. The judge has confirmed this will be his final season on Idol.
Simon announced the news himself at FOX’s Television Critics Association panel in Pasadena, California, on Monday afternoon. The acid-tongued Brit reached a deal early Monday afternoon to bring The X Factor, the British reality competition which launched the career of Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke, to FOX.
Simon signed an agreement on stage, which will not only bring the show to the State, but will also see Simon executive produce and judge the program, according to AOL TV.
“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,” Simon said in a statement. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”
The X Factor will debut in America in the Fall of 2011. The new season of American Idol begins Tuesday on FOX.
Will you watch Idol once Simon is gone?