Simon Cowell Confirms He's Leaving American Idol For X Factor

Breaking news this morning: Simon Cowell has confirmed that the upcoming season of American Idol will be his last. Cowell's focus will be shifted to launching the American version of X Factor, which is slated to premiere stateside in 2011. Though he considered hosting both shows, he said "the practicalities" are impossible.

Cowell also said that judging Idol has been the best eight years of his life, and that all Idol needs to succeed without him is to "find someone who knows what they're talking about." Cowell also added he would love to leave the show "bigger and better than it's been before." On his relationship with co-judge Paula Abdul, he said, "I adore Paula, whatever happens I will be working with her in some capacity. I miss her."