Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Cowell: Quitting Idol 'Feels Right'

Says his plan is no negotiating trick

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 21, 2009 9:38 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Simon Cowell has three hit shows worldwide, including America’s most popular; he pulls in $36 million a year from Fox; and the success of Susan Boyle is raising the talent guru’s profile even higher. But, he tells the New York Times, he’s not backing off statements to British media that he’s thinking of quitting American Idol after another season. The plan “still feels right.”

“When I signed the latest extension on Idol through next season, it felt like that was going to be the right amount of time,” Cowell said. He’s not trying to cash in by stirring departure fears, he insists. “I don’t want to get bored, and I don’t want the audience to get bored.” For American Idol, his departure could be “catastrophic,” says a media buyer. But Cowell says the show would recover.

Simon Cowell autographs the CSN Star Car to support The Child Safety Network.
Simon Cowell autographs the CSN Star Car to support The Child Safety Network.   (PRNewsFoto)
This 2005 file photo shows American Idol judges Simon Cowell, left, Paula Abdul, center, and Randy Jackson, right, as they answer a question at a news conference.
This 2005 file photo shows American Idol judges Simon Cowell, left, Paula Abdul, center, and Randy Jackson, right, as they answer a question at a news conference.   (AP Photo)
In this Feb. 22, 2009 file photo, Simon Cowell poses on the press line at the Elton John Academy Award viewing and after-party in West Hollywood, Calif.
In this Feb. 22, 2009 file photo, Simon Cowell poses on the press line at the Elton John Academy Award viewing and after-party in West Hollywood, Calif.   (AP Photo)
Renaldo Lapuz, bows to judge Simon Cowell during the season finale of American Idol on May 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Renaldo Lapuz, bows to judge Simon Cowell during the season finale of American Idol on May 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.   (AP Images for Fox)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Mad
Apr 22, 2009 3:53 AM CDT
No shit, Snif
sache
Apr 22, 2009 1:01 AM CDT
Cowell's comings and goings don't are not on my list of things to care about.
Assassin
Apr 21, 2009 7:07 AM CDT
People still watch that Crap?

Abdul: He's a 'bully'
ABC News

Is the Boyle phenomenon 'manipulation'?
Globe and Mail

 
entertainment • reality TV • American Idol • Simon Cowell • Fox • quitting • Susan Boyle • Britain's Got Talent • X Factor

More Newser Stories

Why Cowell's X-Factor Will Overtake Idol

Simon Cowell Finally Quits American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres Quits American Idol

Simon 'Meaner Than I Thought': Ellen

Simon Wants Paula on X Factor
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne