Rumors have finally been confirmed: sharp-tongued American Idol judge Simon Cowell finally confirms that he’s  leaving AI as soon as the new season ends in May 2010. Cowell made his announcement Monday, just a day before the airing of the ninth season of American Idol.

Last December, his brother Tony Cowell announced from his radio podcast “The Cowell Factor” that his famous brother is indeed leaving the talent show. However, Simon’s publicist did not want to give comments related to the matter at that time (Click here for more info).

The famous judge released in a press statement that he wants to focus more on his U.K. talent show “X Factor”. He also reveals that he plans to eventually bring an American version of the “X Factor” to the U.S. television in 2011.

“Where we have come to and what we’ve agreed is that X-Factor will launch in America in 2011, with me judging the show and executive producing the show,” said Cowell. “Because of that, this will be my last season of American Idol this year. Thank you for your patience, but that is what’s happening.”

Cowell’s announcement of his departure came only months after Paula Abdul announced that she was quitting the show due to an alleged pay dispute. Ellen DeGeneres will replace Abdul in as AI judge in this upcoming season.

AI’s ninth season will air on FOX tomorrow, January 12, at 8/7 c.

Source: Sfgate , SeattlePI

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