Simon Cowell Leaves American Idol

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
It’s official, Simon Cowell is leaving “American Idol” to launch “The X Factor” stateside.

Simon announced the news himself at FOX’s Television Critics Association panel in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday afternoon.

Simon said the deal was reached early Monday afternoon to bring his British reality competition, which launched the career of Leona Lewis, stateside to FOX.

According to AOL TV, Simon signed the agreement on stage, which will not only bring the show over, but see Simon executive produce and judge on the show.

“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 to Access Hollywood. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

“The X Factor” will launch stateside in the fall of 2011, FOX confirmed in a release.

But with his new show starting in America, it means the end of Simon’s stint on “American Idol.” Simon confirmed the ninth season of “Idol,” which begins this week on FOX, would be his last.

When asked who might replace him on “Idol,” Simon suggested show host Ryan Seacrest could do it “so he can have another job,” AOL TV reported.

Simon went on to explain the format of “The X Factor,” which is different to the way “American Idol” works.

He told reporters his show will allow people to audition beginning at age 14, but without a cut off. And, just like the British version of the show, the judges will mentor the finalists, who perform weekly, live on television.

When asked to address rumors on whether Paula Abdul might join him on the judging panel, Simon reportedly said, “I adore Paula… I miss her… You’re just going to have to watch this space.”

And while Simon may be leaving, “Idol” itself isn’t going anywhere. An executive for FOX confirmed the show has been picked up for three additional seasons after this year.

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