Simon Cowell Leaving ‘American Idol’

LOS ANGELES -Simon Cowell confirmed today this will be his final season as a judge on “American Idol” so he can become a judge and executive producer on “The X Factor,” which will premiere on Fox Broadcasting in 2011.

Cowell told reporters at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena that he agreed to a new contract today, and formally signed it in front of them.

His previous contract prohibited an American version of “The X Factor” while he still continued as an “American Idol” judge.

The 10th season of “American Idol,” prime-time television’s most- watched series, premieres Tuesday.

“The X Factor” and “American Idol” will air at different times of the year, Fox Broadcasting Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice said, with the latter in the fall.

“The X Factor” premiered in the United Kingdom in 2004 and spread to 16 other nations. It differs from “American Idol” in that it allows contestants as young as 14 — “Idol” limits contestants to the ages of 16-28; does not have an upper age limit; allows groups; has different categories; and has the judges serving as mentors, Cowell said.

“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,” Cowell said. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

When asked who he suggested to replace him as a judge, Cowell initial humorously suggested host Ryan Seacrest, then said, “There’s a lot of people who want to do the job. Just get somebody who knows what they’re talking about.”

Cowell said he was confident “American Idol” would remain as prime-time’s most-watched series after his departure.

Rice pledged to keep the show relevant.

“Simon is irreplaceable, but it is incumbent on us that the show remains vital and entertaining,” Rice said.