Simon Cowell Out at American Idol

The show won't be the same, although I'm not one to say it's through. From the Wall Street Journal, "Blunt but Popular Simon Cowell Will Bow Out of 'American Idol'":

Simon Cowell, the brusque personality who has been behind TV blockbusters on several continents, plans to leave the Fox network's singing competition "American Idol" after the current season, leaving a question mark over the biggest hit on American airwaves.

The 50-year-old Mr. Cowell said he was "offered a lot of money" to remain a judge on "American Idol," which has been a mega-hit for the Fox network. But Mr. Cowell, who parlayed music-producing acumen into television celebrity, said he had decided to leave because "The X Factor," another singing competition that has taken off in Britain, is set to debut—also on Fox—in 2011.

Mr. Cowell will serve as executive producer and judge on the U.S. version of "The X Factor," the network said. Mr. Cowell hasn't been an executive producer for "Idol" and the additional title suggested he may reap bigger financial gains with "The X Factor" if the show is a hit in the U.S., as it has been in other parts of the world.

Based on the British series "Pop Idol," "American Idol" launched on Fox in 2002 and has become the most popular series on television.

"Idol" made Mr. Cowell a household name on both sides of the Atlantic and became a linchpin of Fox's television lineup. But after eight seasons on air, ratings were down 7.8% for the last season, compared with the previous year.

Speaking to reporters during a Fox media event in Pasadena, Calif., network executives said they expect "American Idol" to continue for many years.

Mr. Cowell's exit comes as speculation also swirls about Fox's late-night plans. Conan O'Brien, the host of NBC's "Tonight Show," has considered leaving the General Electric Co. network over plans to move his show a half hour later to make room for "The Jay Leno Show" at 11:35 p.m. weeknights. While Fox executives played down the likelihood of Mr. O'Brien landing at the network, Fox has had informal talks with Mr. O'Brien's circle about hosting a late-night show, Kevin Reilly, president of entertainment for Fox, confirmed Monday. "I love Conan personally and professionally, but right now he's got a decision to make about his future," Mr. Reilly said.

"American Idol" has been one of network TV's biggest cash cows largely because of its allure to young viewers advertisers pay a premium to reach. The program commands some of the highest ad rates in broadcast television, with the price of 30 seconds of ad time on the program reaching $707,000 in 2009, according to TNS Media Intelligence, an ad-tracking unit of WPP PLC.

"American Idol" generated about $843.3 million in advertising in 2009, according to TNS, down from $883.7 million in 2008 when ad prices reached $737,000 for a 30-second slot. The Fox network generated $2.8 billion in gross advertising revenue last year, according to SNL Kagan.

Simon's a real prick sometimes, but when he does open up to real talent, it's quite powerful to behold.