Cowell Warns He Might Ditch Idol

American Idol may go as he tries to free up his schedule

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Apr 13, 2009 5:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Simon Cowell says the pressure of three TV shows and constant flights to Britain may force him to leave American Idol, Access Hollywood reports. “Most people do one show a year and I do three and they involve a lot of traveling. One may have to go,” Cowell said. He "can't imagine" leaving his UK shows, Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor. Idol "is more likely to go because I have got one year under contract."

“I don’t want to come over as whiny because I am very grateful that I have got these jobs,” he told the Mirror. “But there is a point where I am not sure we can keep this schedule up. It takes longer and longer to make these shows because you have to put more into them." Cowell said he's also starting a “big new show next year"—but kept details under wraps.

[Images (5)]

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Cowell says he likes all his shows, but that 'American Idol' may go because his contract is up soon. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, file)

Simon Cowell, one of the judges on "American Idol", arrives at a promotional event for the show Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

In this March 20, 2008 file photo, Simon Cowell attends the Details magazine Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Phil McCarten, file)

"American Idol" judge Simon Cowell listens to a question during the 2007 Fox Winter Press Tour, in this Jan. 20, 2007, file photo in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Rene Macura, file)

'Most people do one show a year and I do three,' Cowell said. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

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I don't want to come over as whiny because I am very grateful that I have got these jobs. There is a point where I am not sure we can keep this schedule up. - Simon Cowell

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Cowell Warns He Might Ditch Idol