Archive

Why Simon Is Quitting Idol

American Idol's Simon Cowell announced he is leaving the show, and is starting a competitor on Fox. Richard Rushfield on the bitter clashes that led to the end.

articles/2010/01/11/simon-cowell-to-leave-american-idol/rushfield-cowell_74424_ljenos
Michael Becker / FOX
articles/2010/01/11/simon-cowell-to-leave-american-idol/rushfield-cowell_74424_utvtdm

Season 9 of American Idol starts Tuesday. And Monday afternoon, its biggest star, Simon Cowell—along with Fox's chief executives—announced he is leaving the show after the season ends to launch an American version of The X Factor, another singing competition, for the network.

The scene at the Fox press conference was...

We think “subscriber” would look good on you. Join now to unlock access.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article. 

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.