BREAKING NEWS
OK LogoNEWS

VIDEO: Simon Cowell Discusses Decision to Exit Idol

2010__01__SimonCowellExtra 225×159.png

Jan. 12 2010, Published 5:01 a.m. ET

Link to FacebookShare to XShare to Email

In his first TV interview since announcing on Monday that he'll be leaving American Idol at the end of the new season, hard-hearted judge Simon Cowell confesses that he got "emotional" about the decision.

"It did feel a little bit emotional," Simon confesses to Extra about today's shocking news. "Because then it's real... and then you remember all the good times you had."

"I've been doing this for nine years and it's been a blast," the acid-tongued Brit admits about his time on the hit Fox show.

Article continues below advertisement

ooyala_post_video

Simon also revealed that the deal that has him leaving Idol to bring his other UK hit, X Factor, across the pond to the U.S., almost didn't happen in time for today's press conference. "We agreed to the deal at half past eleven this morning," he explains. "The press conference was scheduled for 12:00pm... It literally was as down to the wire as that."

Cowell admits to having considered the idea of juggling both Idol and X Factor, but opted instead to "concentrate on one main show."

MORE ON:
Simon Cowell

As for how his Idol cohorts are reacting to the news, Simon jokes, "I heard a lot of popping champagne bottles," and that "there will be fireworks display outside Ryan Seacrest's house tonight."

Advertisement

Want OK! each day? Sign up here!

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 OK!™️. A DIVISION OF EMPIRE MEDIA GROUP INC. OK! is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.