Is Simon Cowell Planning An 'Idol' Exit?

Access Hollywood - April 12, 2009 3:49 PM PDT
Story photo: Is Simon Cowell Planning An 'Idol' Exit?Simon Cowell attends auditions for 'American Idol' Season 8 at Chelsea Piers on August 26, 2008 in New York City<br />Getty PremiumAccess Hollywood

LONDON, UK -- Every week, millions of viewers tune in to "American Idol" to hear what Simon Cowell has to say - but according to the Mirror, the no-nonsense judge may be planning on leaving the show.

"Most people do one show a year and I do three and they involve a lot of traveling. One may have to go," Simon, 49, told the paper on Saturday. "I don't know which one. That is the problem, I like all of them. I can't imagine not doing 'Britain's Got Talent' and I can't imagine not doing 'X Factor.' But I guess America is more likely to go because I have got one year under contract. Maybe that will be the end."

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According to the paper, Simon may make four transatlantic flights a week during the summer to keep up with "American Idol" and his two British shows, "X Factor" and "Britain's Got Talent," in which he also serves as a judge.

"I don't want to come over as whiney because I am very grateful that I have got these jobs," he said. "But there is a point where I am not sure we can keep this schedule up. It takes longer and longer to make these shows because you have to put more into them, and I am not sure we can sustain me doing three shows a year, with the record label and the TV production company."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'American Idol' Season 8 Top 13

In addition, Simon added that he's launching a "big new show next year," though he said details are top-secret.

As for a social life, the "Idol" judge said his busy schedule doesn't leave him with much time to date following his split with longtime girlfriend Terri Seymour .

"Have I got a black book?" he laughed. "Yes, it's called a mobile phone. I do get offers. There is no shortage of people if you want to go on dates - working in TV, living in LA, it is there if you want it. But I am enjoying hanging out with my friends. I haven't had time to go on dates."

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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Simon Cowell - American Idol - Reality TV - FOX - Celebrities

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comments 1-10 of 193  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • gotsnoenemies
    I have seen pictures of Simon and read about him being unpleasant - I don't watch TV. That has to take a toll on his well-being. Recently, watching him on the internet when he was talking to the BGT winners he looked happy and relaxed. I think he should take a mental health break and do something where he doesn't have to make judgements about people who don't understand
    report abuseposted April 17, 2009 10:48 AM PDT
  • Trusting God
    I agree with the positive comments and will state again, I enjoy looking at Simon, I enjoy his character and personality, and I do not believe I can watch it without him. I do enjoy Paula and Randy; however, it will not be the same if Simon goes. But, if he does I wish him continued success and many blessings. Simon you rock! Posted again because I forgot to change my screen name. Gale in SC
    report abuseposted April 15, 2009 4:59 AM PDT
  • Trusting God
    I agree with the positive comments and will state again, I enjoy looking at Simon, I enjoy his character and personality, and I do not believe I can watch it without him. I do enjoy Paula and Randy; however, it will not be the same if Simon goes. But, if he does I wish him continued success and many blessings. Simon you rock!
    report abuseposted April 15, 2009 4:56 AM PDT
  • Richard P
    Simon is very smart and has work hard with American Idol, Britain got's talent, and other tv shows. I hope he continues because I think he has brought a level of entertainment that is soo worth watching. Go Simon!!!!
    report abuseposted April 14, 2009 7:08 PM PDT
  • Richard P
    American Idol to mean is intertainment !! I like shows that make me feel good and give me something to look forward w/o watching all this nudity and etc. Boycott all the bad movies and send a message to the producers and stars that live big palaytious homes that are paid for by your hard earn money. The American people have literally made them filfty rich.
    report abuseposted April 14, 2009 7:05 PM PDT
  • Richard P
    Most of what I see on the tele is so bad!! Most of it is about killing, sex, violence, lies and evil plots. We have enough in our world without having to watch on the tele. When a program that comes with substance and real talent or comedy or a good love story or something meaningful, I am very abt to watch it. I would love to see the majority of the American people boycott Hollywood movies.
    report abuseposted April 14, 2009 7:00 PM PDT
  • sady
    without simon on american idol there is no sense for the show to continue if he leaves idol will loose a lot of viewers hes the reason i watch it
    report abuseposted April 14, 2009 12:10 PM PDT
  • sady
    without simon on american idol there is nos sense for the show to go on hes the reason that the show is a show i will miss him and i wont be watching american idol
    report abuseposted April 14, 2009 12:07 PM PDT
  • nobody
    Idol sucks, with or with out Simon.
    report abuseposted April 14, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
  • debbie t
    he makes the show you watch just to see what he is gong to say next but cara should go some where elas she is not good at all.
    report abuseposted April 14, 2009 7:52 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 193  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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