SIMON COWELL LEAVING AMERICAN IDOL

Simon Cowell confirmed in a surprise appearance at the Television Critics Association tour that the new season of American Idol, which begins tonight night on Fox, will be his final one. More interestingly, Cowell is preparing to bring his UK show The X Factor over to Fox in 2011. He will be exec-producing and appearing as a judge on the show. Even though the shows are not exactly the same, will you watch the one WITH Simon or without? When the crowd asked Cowell about his plans for his replacement on Idol he stated, “I’m going to suggest Ryan (Seacrest), because he can have another job, he can present the show and judge the show. He just jumps off the stage, into the judge’s chair, and back again. He added,“I don’t know who’s going to do it. I think there are a lot of people who want to do the job now, that’s where it’s different from years ago. What’s important is to get somebody who knows what they’re talking about. That’s the most important thing about these shows.” Simon expressed confidence that Idol will be go on without him despite a poll finding that 60% of Americans said they wouldn't watch without him. X Factor has no age limit and groups can participate, making it different than Idol, but slightly more like America's Got Talent. Cowell like the difference. “Susan Boyle is the biggest example of why I like doing shows with an upper age range,” Cowell said of the now-famous SuBo from Britain’s Got Talent. “She has become the biggest selling recording artist. It’s an incredible story. Hopefully on The X Factor we’re going to meet the American version of Susan." When asked what else they will be looking for on The X Factor, Simon says, “right now, who has the biggest ‘X Factor’ in the world? Lady Gaga. She’s the most influential artist in the world. I would love to find somebody like that.” Simon was also asked if professional hot mess Paula Abdul might be joining the X Factor. “I adore Paula,” Cowell said. “Whatever happens, I will be working with her in some capacity, because I miss her.” Should be interesting to see how these two shows play off each other. They are both on Fox, so there's plenty of room for both to succeed. How much will having Simon make a difference? Who knows. Do you care?