Okay, I could handle an absent Paula Abdul but not Simon Cowell. Rumors have been circulating for the past several weeks that Cowell might leave the hit show at season’s end to focus on bringing his popular Idol-esque UK show, The X Factor, to the U.S.
Today, Cowell confirmed that he is in fact leaving American Idol for The X Factor, which will air on Fox later this year. The announcement was made during a presentation at the Television Critics Association press tour. This news breaks my heart because American Idol without Cowell is like Adam Lambert without eyeliner. On the brightside, there will be no more annoying Seacrest/Cowell banter. Everyone knows that they’re friends off camera, but it’s comforting to watch each week. It’s just not right.
With Idol judges abandoning ship, can the show survive? It certainly will be a whole different show. Will you watch?