The speculation that Simon Cowell is planning to leave “American Idol” after the upcoming ninth season has intensified, but that does not mean FOX plans to part ways with its talent search phenomenon.
THRFeed reported Wednesday that FOX is working with producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment to secure the show for three additional seasons; under the current contract, “Idol”‘s run was to end after the tenth season in 2011.
Regarding the rumor that Cowell was leaving to devote greater attention to bringing his “The X Factor” to America, sources say FOX, which wants to launch that show as a fall series, is hoping to secure Cowell as a judge for both series. “Fox would prefer to bundle a “Factor” agreement with at least another season of Cowell judging “Idol,”” wrote THR Feed.
An idea being tossed around would call for Cowell to prioritize “X Factor” and contribute to future “Idol” seasons in a limited capacity.
Of course, before anything can move forward regarding an “X Factor”/”American Idol” balance on FOX, Cowell would have to ink a new contract with Sony, the company behind “X Factor.” Once that deal is in place, Cowell can bring the show to America and determine how he will divide his judging focus.