Simon Cowell Announces His Last “American Idol” Season, Will Judge “X-Factor” in 2011

Simon Cowell, the insulting-yet-lovable Brit who became a household name in America nearly eight years ago, has announced he will step down from “American Idol” after the new season–which officially debuts tomorrow night, January 12–ends.

Cowell was brought on stage by FOX executives during a panel at TCA, a yearly multi-day event where television critics hear directly from network execs as well as casts and crews of hit TV shows.

Cowell won’t be leaving American TV, however, as he will bring his hit British show “The X-Factor” to Fox in fall of 2011. Like “Idol,” “X-Factor” is a reality competition with a panel of judges, but contestants can be groups and aren’t limited by age.

Television critics kept the Twitterverse informed by sending tweets live from the panel:

thefutoncritic FOX at #TCA: They’re actually having him sign the agreement in front of us, “X FACTOR starts right here,” he says.

TVGuideMagazine Simon says he couldn’t appear on 2 shows in America. He’s still committed to appearing on UK’s X Factor.

TVGuideMagazine #TCA Fox has committed to American Idol for three more years.

sepinwall Simon convinced Idol can continue being the #1 show on TV even without him. Idol and X Factor will air in different parts of the year.

sepinwall “I wouldn’t have put X Factor on if I didn’t think (it and Idol) could exist successfully.” -Simon

thefutoncritic FOX at #TCA: Cowell says key differences between IDOL and FACTOR – no age limit, groups can submit and the judges mentor the particiants

TVGuideMagazine Simon says Susan Boyle is perfect example of why he likes XFactor’s no age restrictionss. He dreams (a dream) 2 find America’s Susan Boyle.

thefutoncritic FOX at #TCA: Cowell says, like IDOL, there will be a separate results show.

TVGuideMagazine #tca Fox execs won’t speculate on a Simon replacement.

EWAusielloFiles IDOL will air spring 2011, SYTYCD summer 2011, X FACTOR fall 2011.

TVGuide Cowell on why he’s leaving Idol: “I didn’t think it was right for me to do two shows in America.”

EWAusielloFiles Cowell says an announcement about the other X FACTOR judges will be made “fairly soon.” #tca

tvsquad Someone asks who’s on the shortlist to replace Simon. The execs laugh because Simon just signed. They want to give themselves time.

tvsquad Simon: “Right now America needs a second show, and I’ll put my heart and soul in this.”

MarisaRoffman “I’ve gone on record–I adore Paula. Whatever happens, I will work with her in some capacity because I miss her.”- S re:Paula as judge on XF

tvsquad Simon leaves. On to other questions… mostly Idol questions.

Once the news spread, “Simon Cowell” quickly became a Trending Topic. Tweeps–fans, viewers and non-viewers alike–started weighing in:

Hulk_Smash So, Simon Cowell is leaving AMERICAN IDOL after this season? Does that mean I can finally stop hearing about that show?

maxwellglick So Simon Cowell is leaving Idol after all…. I’m sure the X Factor will be an awesome addition tho and hey I can audition for that now!

lzone I’m all about breaking news alerts, CNN, but Simon Cowell leaving American Idol is not what I consider “breaking news.”

ihatematt Simon Cowell Says He is Leaving ‘American Idol’ FINALLY IDOL IS STARTING TO SELF DESTRUCT. ZEUS HEARD MY CRIES haha.

Thirdbase7 Simon Cowell leaving…Idol in shambles. When will it be….Seacrest OUT!

DancingMonkey_ Is Idol over.?!? No Simon, no Paula pfff no Idol

HerNameIsDeidre Wow… another TMZ poll: Is American Idol dead without Simon? 90% say yes…

PaulGargano By launching ‘X-Factor’ in US, Simon Cowell can demonstrate expertise that wasn’t on display as a mere mouthpiece on ‘Idol.’

gingerkiller So, Simon is leaving American Idol to be the judge on US version of The X Factor. Isn’t that one in the same???

NineDaves also, i’m all for x-factor. let’s hope simon cowell gets paula to judge with him, and brian dunkleman to host.

TylerH09 When American Idol ends this season Randy Jackson will be the only original judge left

Mlei87 randy jackson might as well leave after Simon Cowell and just get a whole new group of judges

jay_curtis Daanngg! Simon Cowell is officially leaving American Idol after this year? *prepares safety net for ratings next year* #fb

harrytoon Surely it has been obvious Simon Cowell would leave American Idol to be on show he owns the rights to. More money in his pocket.

biranit_goren My condolences to all Americans: Simon Cowell leaves American Idol, brings X Factor to the US. http://bit.ly/8FQDSy

MC_Brian_B2M BREAKING NEWS: Simon Cowell WILL BE leaving American Idol after this season!… A NEW JUDGE! REQUEST MARIAH!!!

choppers89 yay for Simone Cowell launching X Factor next year in america!! love Idol but I have a feeling X Factor will be more entertaining!

iAMshockley I see Simon hiring Paula Abdul for “X-Factor” & taking down American Idol

kidluv26 First Paula Abdul leaves now Simon Cowell leaving….WTH ??

michelle779 Simon Cowell leaving American Idol hopefully means that show will finally come to an end. It ran it’s course five years ago.

prbiker15 Oh wow…Simon Cowell leaving Idol…dang I liked him.

ashleygagle sad that this is Simon Cowell’s last season on idol

SleyBee103 OMG Simon Cowell is leaving Idol after this season to start up The X Factor!! Don’t know if I should be happy or sad…

DivadNhoj1981 Simon Cowell leaving American Idol is the best news I’ve heard all day. Hey, Simon, you’re no different from a gossipy high schooler!

chick_chris How is ANYTHING that has to do with Simon Cowell considered “breaking news”? Unless Simon Cowell shot the President, I probably don’t care.

x_ine OMG Simon Cowell is leaving #AmericanIdol? Who cares? He’s abandoning a sinking ship that should have drowned years ago.

velvetverbosity I’m in the minority apparently. I didn’t like American Idol BECAUSE of Simon Cowell.

Don’t forget: the ninth season of “American Idol” premieres tomorrow, January 12. Stick with Breaking Tweets Entertainment for recaps and reaction from Twitterville after each show.

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