by Gina Scarpa

Last week, rumors surfaced that American Idol judge Simon Cowell would be leaving the show in 2010.  Some might feel that Cowell’s exit will be the end of the reality singing competition.  However, the show is already set to air through 2011 and a new deal in the works could keep Idol on as long as 2014.  FOX has yet to comment on Cowell’s exit.  Simon has not released an official statement either but his brother announced this last week during his weekly podcast, The Cowell Factor: “A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected: Simon will leave Idol at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of The X Factor to U.S. TV in 2011.”

Besides the fact that American Idol has steadily been losing viewers over the last few seasons, Simon himself seems bored with the chore of listening to the contestants sing and providing feedback.  After 8 seasons, the show has produced only a handful of successful artists while most fade away from our memories and are never heard from again.  While Cowell plans to search for stars on her own terms with the US version of his hit British show show, The X Factor, one Idol fan has advice for him.  “Simon, at least try to make [Idol] a good season," Idol fan Kirsten told the New York Post this week. "Please go out on a high note. If we think you are boring, we might not want to watch your new show."  Good point.

For those Simon Cowell fans out there, don’t give up hope just yet.  Neither party has officially commented and, over the summer, Cowell was in talks to stay with Idol for three more years and still be able to executive produce The X Factor.

American Idol returns for its ninth season on FOX, beginning January 12.  Ellen DeGeneres will join the judges beginning in Hollywood and there will be a revolving door of guest judges helping out as well.  Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain are scheduled to appear.

Will American Idol be successful without Paul Abdul and Simon Cowell?  Tell us your thoughts!

American Idol returns to FOX January 12 at 8pm ET.

(Image courtesy of FOX)

Source: New York Post, TV Guide

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

For more American Idol links, visit SirLinksALot.net