NEWSSimon Cowell Chats with Ryan Seacrest About 'Idol' Departure
Jan. 12 2010, Published 6:38 a.m. ET
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest spoke to Simon Cowell this morning on his radio show about his departure from the reality singing competition at the end of the new season. Simon said it's an odd feeling, and he's definitely sad to say goodbye after the nine years at the judges' table. "This is a true story, we were driving down to do the press conference and we didn't have any agreements," Simon told Ryan of the negotiations.
"And, at one point we weren't going to do the press conference," he adds.
Ryan said he, along with the public, did not know how to respond or react to Simon's announcement.
"The rumor that is going around is you're going to replace me," Simon joked to Ryan. "You just literally jump from the stage onto the judging chair and that way you get another job."
The playful banter between Simon and Ryan has become part of Idol, with the two acting as frenemies most of the time.
In a recent interview with Extra, Simon quipped that Ryan would be setting off fireworks to celebrate.
Simon said that bringing his UK based show The X Factor to the US was a big part of his decision to exit Idol.
"I think you got to know when its time to go," he said. "I always wanted to bring this other show over here. And at one point I was going to do both shows. But you know about overexposure Ryan, you can't be on TV too much."
"I genuinely thought people would be sick and tired of me."
Simon's decision shocked the public yesterday when he announced it would be his last season judging on Idol at a Fox press conference during the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour in Pasadena.”This will be my last season on American Idol,” Simon confirmed.
Simon also confirmed that the move is a result of launching his US version of popular UK show, The X-Factor, which will begin airing on Fox in the fall of 2011. He’ll be producing and judging the talent show.
What is Simon going to miss most?
"Everything. We had fun didn't we?"
Simon also took time to poke at fellow judge Randy Jackson and imitated Randy's response to Ryan.
" 'Yo, yea I get it. Yo, yea.'That was how the conversation went..."
When asked if there will be a spot for Paul Abdul on the The X Factor judging table, Simon responded slyly, "You will have to wait and see Ryan."
Simon said he is looking forward to his final season, which he anticipates to be "bitter sweet."
"I think the good news for you Ryan, next year, when I'm not on it , is you get to be more involved. You will definitely, definitely have more air time."
