AUDIO: Simon Cowell Opens Up About American Idol Departure
Posted on Jan 12, 2010 @ 02:59PM

Simon Cowell made his departure official from American Idol on Monday and on Tuesday he called into host Ryan Seacrest's radio show to discuss the news.
Listen To Simon's Interview Here
Cowell admitted he is "very sad" about leaving the Fox reality hit that made him an American household name and revealed how the decision had not been finalized until moments before Monday's announcement.
"We were driving down to do the press conference and we didn't have an agreement," Cowell said. "We signed this agreement in front of all this people."
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Responding to rumors he suggested the host fill his spot at the judging table, Cowell joked that he thought of Seacrest in his "darkest moments" by possibly hooking him up with another job.
As for why he is jumping ship to launch the American version of The X-Factor, he said: "You have to know when it is time to go...at one point I wanted to do both shows." So why isn't he pulling a television one-two punch?
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"I thought people would be sick and tired of me."
Asked what he would miss most about being on Idol, the normally sarcastic Brit had a moment on sincere reflection.
"Everything," he responded. "We had fun didn't we?"
He was more tight-lipped about the rumor that Paula Abdul would be a judge on his new show.
"You'll have to wait and see."















When Simon leaves the show, it is time for the show to be pulled. Frankly enough is enough, and it is time. American Idol has run its course and there's nothing wrong with saying goodbye.
Posted Wed, 01/13/2010 - 11:27am
Simon's smart to get out now. Idol has been dying for a while. The X Factor is a much better show, similar, but still MUCH better. I'm really happy Simon's bringing it here. It will be #1 faster than he can say "Dreadful!"
Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 11:50pm
I nominate Piers Morgan to fill his shoes!! Or better yet keep him as a regular on Hoda &Kathy
Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 9:35pm
No, no, no, no Paula on your next show!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 7:18pm
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Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 6:19pm
the show aint no show without simon and paula
Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 5:44pm
The show definately won't be the same without him. With Paula gone and Kara as a judge the show won't be worth watching anymore (no offense Ellen) I will watch his new show..esp. if Paula will be a judge.
Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 4:43pm
i agree. love ellen but not the show without paula/simon chemistry
Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 5:13pm
who cares...that show is unwatchable..watching trainwrecks with zero talent...people are dumber then ever..thats why politicians lie and do whatever they want..they know the public are dumb as skunks...r.i.p. simon
Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 4:24pm
I will definitely miss you. I almost always agreed with Simon. He certainly makes the show.
Posted Tue, 01/12/2010 - 3:56pm