Simon Cowell Leaving ‘American Idol’ After This Season

Simon Cowell and top Fox executives made the announcement he’s leaving ‘American Idol’ after this season to reporters in Pasadena at a meeting of the Television Critics Association. Cowell is departing to focus on the U.S. version of his talent show ‘The X Factor’. “I was offered a lot of money to stay on,” Cowell said. “But that wasn’t the reason behind it. I wanted to do something different. I wanted a new challenge.”

Asked about bringing in Paula Abdul as a judge on ‘X Factor’ after the ‘Straight Up’ singer failed to reach a contract agreement to return to ‘Idol’ this season, Cowell replied: “I adore Paula. Whatever happens, I will be working with her in some capacity, because I miss her.”

Watch a report on the news aired on ‘The Dylan Ratigan Show’ earlier today below the cut.