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Simon Cowell brings 'X Factor' to USA, leaves 'Idol' this year

By April MacIntyre Jan 11, 2010, 21:24 GMT

Simon Cowell Laurent Despois / Splash News

Simon Cowell just split the stage at the Langham ballroom in Pasadena after dropping a bombshell AND signing his new contract with Peter Rice and Kevin Reilly of FOX in front of a room full of FOX brass and TV critics.

The verdict is in: "American Idol" is out after this season for Cowell, and his new production company Syco is bring the UK smash reality hit "The X Factor" to the States, because Cowell is convinced "there are thousands and thousands of talented people still left in America" and he intends on finding them all.

"We are not going to try to find a 'Simon' clone to do what he does, because he's one of a kind." said FOX executive Peter Rice, in panel currently with FOX's president Kevin Reilly at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour in Pasadena.  He also added, "We love Randy."

Syco, a global music, television and film production joint venture based in London and Los Angeles between Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment produces the BAFTA Award-winning “The X Factor,” and is also the owner of the “Got Talent” television format. Versions of both “The X Factor” and “Got Talent” are co-produced by Syco and shown in more than 40 countries.

FOX announced today that "The X Factor" will be on your TV the fall of 2011. Cowell, will serve as both executive producer and judge on the U.S. version, which will be produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America.

"The X Factor" is currently shown in 17 countries worldwide with a global audience of more than 500 million, and is the No. 1 TV entertainment format in Europe.

“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. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, said, “We have had a very successful relationship with Simon Cowell for many years, and we’re absolutely delighted to continue our relationship with him. The series has been a massive success around the world, and we can’t wait to bring it to the U.S. in 2011.”