Simon Cowell has publicly declared that he may walk away from American Idol when his contract expires after next season, hinting (repeatedly), “Maybe it’s time for a change.” That should have executives quaking in their loafers, as Cowell is the face of a show that’s not only No. 1 in all of television, it’s essentially Fox’s ATM. (Portfolio estimated it brings in $6.4 billion a year for the network.) And though ratings are down 12 percent since this time last year, it’s pretty much the only show that can consistently nab 25 million viewers. “It’s like if Alan Alda left M*A*S*H or Ted Danson left Cheers,” says Horizon Media analyst Brad Adgate. “How do you replace someone who’s the essence of why people watch?” (Fox and Cowell declined to comment.)
The snark-master certainly has viewer sentiment on his side, and season 7 finalist Michael Johns agrees, telling EW that Idol sans Simon would be like “a golf tournament without Tiger Woods.”
While Cowell has threatened to quit Idol before — even over seemingly minor matters, like the season 6 Sanjaya debacle — this time seems different. After seven years of intercontinental commuting between the L.A. Idol set and his London-based pet projects — The X Factor and the increasingly buzzed-about Britain’s Got Talent — the 49-year-old megamogul sounds exhausted. And he certainly doesn’t need the cash: Britain’s recent Sunday Times “Rich List” pegged his net worth at a recession-proof $175.2 million.
Moreover, he’s hinted that he’s itching to bring The X Factor to the U.S., which his current deal prohibits. But that’s hardly a surefire move. Yes, Cowell struck gold with AI and America’s Got Talent (for which he’s an exec producer). But remember the other reality shows he produced here? You know, American Inventor, Celebrity Duets, and Cupid? We don’t either. And the prospect of finding a new monster hit gets dicier every day, Adgate says: “That’s not an indictment of Simon Cowell — it’s more a comment on the TV landscape. I think there’s only one American Idol.”
It seems like he has lost his passion for the show. Don’t believe me? Watch an episode of Idol this season, then watch Britain’s Got Talent. Look at Simon on both shows, and tell me where his heart is.
But when Simon leaving Idol, it will mark the start of the end for A.I.
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I agree, Adam. His heart isn’t in Idol anymore. When he leaves Idol, so will I. He’s the only reason I watch anymore.
I don’t care how much it costs, but if Simon goes they need to make Jamie Foxx a full-time judge. If Simon stays, replace Randy with him.
Adam, I know what you mean about Simon. I’ve watched a couple years worth of the shows he does in Britian, and I really believe he just allows himself to be seen enjoying performances. It’s like he’s been pegged a crabby brit for the US, and he keeps to that character for AI.
Playing a character for the US might not be all of it, but I’ve watched him on several shows for 3 years now, and it’s always the same…
USA = hardly ever smiles
Britian = often smiles (and is nice)
Simon’s judging has been very uneven this year and his heart just doesn’t seem in it. AI has helped make Simon very rich – if he’s bored, he should go.
If Simon goes Idol goes. He is an original
If Simon goes Idol goes. He is an original
The entire show should go. I been wanting it go go for years. Randy doesn’t say much. Paula says too much and cries every damn time, Kara is boring and the talent is eh.
I also agree with Adam, his heart isn’t in it anymore.
I agree with Adam. Simon has seemed a bit disinterested, maybe even flat out bored with Idol lately (can’t blame him)
He may not be as interested in this season (I predict it will be a write off in the end, even if my favorite Alison wins). But I doubt he will be leaving American Idol unless the show folds up shop with him. AI brings him US fame and fortune. He may be doing a lot and has to do the commute but I can’t see him leaving unless the show ends…
I think America is very tired of his crass angry Brit gimmick. He has said to be a really nice guy. And those one lined zingers he says when he hates a performance are not spontaneous. Much like the WWE wrestling, it’s pre-scripted.
In that last few shows Cowell’s comments have been bias to steer people to vote just for his favorite. Rather than judge the performance he has been making some unfair comments, unlike before he’s turned up the nonsense to the extreme, especially towards the 17 year old girl who’s vocals are far beyond her years.
He also enjoy opposing the other judges like a lone wolf and just sticking it to them with a smile.
The show go out like a winner rather than crash and burn like many other copy-cat shows. It’s time for the next big thing on tv.
“Survior” on CBS is an example of a former top rated show over staying its presence on tv. That show should of been canceled years ago.
I think America is very tired of his crass angry Brit gimmick. He has said to be a really nice guy. And those one lined zingers he says when he hates a performance are not spontaneous. Much like the WWE wrestling, it’s pre-scripted.
In that last few shows Cowell’s comments have been bias to steer people to vote just for his favorite. Rather than judge the performance he has been making some unfair comments, unlike before he’s turned up the nonsense to the extreme, especially towards the 17 year old girl who’s vocals are far beyond her years.
He also enjoy opposing the other judges like a lone wolf and just sticking it to them with a smile.
The show go out like a winner rather than crash and burn like many other copy-cat shows. It’s time for the next big thing on tv.
“Survior” on CBS is an example of a former top rated show over staying its presence on tv. That show should of been canceled years ago.
I know that Simon is a very rich and successful man. He can afford many automobiles and homes. Why, for the love of Pete, does he wear the same old, nasty, stretched out, white t-shirt that looks like it came from the bottom of the laundry basket!!! It is insulting to the audience… that he does not need to wear a real shirt. Why not come in your sweats? Not bother at all. PS. Also, I do not get the square hair cut. Why would anyone purposely want to look like Sponge Bob. With all that money he should get a stylist.
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