The show must go on—even without its snarky, British center of attention, apparently.
Despite the news from a seemingly solid source (it was the guy’s brother, for goodness’ sake!) that Simon Cowell plans to end his stint as a judge on American Idol after the upcoming 2010 season, the show’s ninth, Fox is reportedly willing to go on without him.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the network and Idol producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment are close to inking a deal that will keep the still-chugging talent show on the air for another three seasons.
That’s three seasons after their current contract ends in 2011, mind you…
Fox refused to comment, and Cowell has also been mum (Simon, that is, not Tony Cowell, the aforementioned brother who spilled the beans on his weekly podcast).
We’ve already been asked to embrace Idol without Paula Abdul. And because Adam Lambert made for must-see TV last year and because we love Ellen DeGeneres, we’re willing to do so.
But Idol without Simon, too? Seems like a lot to ask of us in 2011.
jen
December 28th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
i never missed a season of idol, but adam lambert kind of spoiled me. i don’t think it will ever measure up again. i enjoy ellen, so she’ll be a fun addition and i can’t wait for adam to be invited back to sing. still, the rest of the season will be lackluster without adam.
Sue
December 29th, 2009 at 1:17 am
A picture says a 1000 words. The picture above with the idol judges and Ryan looks dark, depressing, cold, cheap, and badly photo shopped. I’m not sure that is what Fox wanted present in the photo. But is does represent what I think AI season 9 is going to be without Paula the show will be.
Annie
December 29th, 2009 at 2:18 am
Idol is already dead without Paula. Just look at that picture … it lacks everything. No beauty, no color, no charm. It looks so BLAHHHH! Obviously it is photoshop. Has American Idol run out of money to get the pcitures photoshopped properly too?? Anywa, if Simon does leave, which I think he will, its a good thing. Idol is reduce to just another boring tv show.