The industry paper states that the sharp-tongued judge will likely depart "Idol" at the end of the new season, which begins Jan. 12 on Fox, in order to prepare for his new series "The X Factor." Fox, the Hollywood Reporter says, plans to order three more years of "Idol."
According to a Jan. 11 statement, "The X Factor" will launch in the United States in fall 2011. Cowell, who created the U.K. version of the show, will serve as both judge and executive producer for the American program. He will also continue to judge and executive produce the U.K. version.
In a statement 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. We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this."