In conjunction with the ongoing Television Critics Association press tour, FOX and Simon Cowell confirmed Monday that the entertainment executive’s “The X Factor” is coming to America.
FOx has tentatively set the American “X Factor” premiere for the fall of 2011; Simon Cowell will thus exit as an “American Idol” judge following the upcoming ninth season.
“I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the U.S. version of THE X FACTOR, and delighted to be continuing to work with FOX,” said Cowell, who will judge and executive produce on the show. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”
Cowell, meanwhile, believes “American Idol” will be fine going forward; effective 2011, its panel will be absent two of its three original judges (Paula Abdul departed prior to the current season).
“In my opinion it’s like having a good player on a good football team,” said Cowell at the TCA presentation. “But when the player retires the team will continue to be very successful. I’m confident “Idol” will continue to be the No. 1 show. I want to leave “Idol” this year bigger and better than it’s been before.
“American Idol” returns for its ninth season this week.
