Simon Cowell: I'm Not Leaving 'Idol' - Yet

NEW YORK — Simon Cowell wants to look on the bright side concerning his future with "American Idol."

The famously acerbic Cowell says he still loves doing the Fox network show and he'll be staying put as judge at least another year. That's the time remaining on his contract.

Cowell earlier had sparked widespread speculation that he might be leaving "Idol." In an interview in England's Daily Mirror, he said he can't keep up his busy schedule indefinitely. Besides "Idol," Cowell has two British-based shows and other projects.

Even so, Cowell tells The Associated Press he is considering all options for the future and has come to no decision about how he might trim his workload.

Comments

[IMA]

In my opinion, without Simon's astute, although acerbic, critiques there is no "American Idol" show. He is the essential substantive element of the equation.

I enjoy all of the judges. However, if - due to time constraints - judges must be paired (rather than all 4 commenting), then Simon should be paired with each of the other three judges in succession. Simon must comment on all performances in the future.

[Valerie Patterson]

i don't think idol would be very interesting without simon.. .. in my opinion he is the show...

[CheshireCat2]

Simon is American Idol, the rest would be lost without him.

[1sparrow]

at 40 million per season, i think simon could be replaced. how about you get a local community college music professor for a measly 80 grand? remember they do the same job sans the ad hominem remarks.

[DrJohnnySkeptic]

I always thought that Simon Cowell was a complete pompous jerk, until I saw this:

http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92464

[Steamboater]

Boyle is phenomenal! Ok, the eyebrows have to go unless she does a musical about Joan Crawford and a little nip and tuck should work. Yes, she walks like a truck driver but with that voice, who cares!

Seriously, this woman has a trained voice. How could someone who sings that well be on the sidelines for so long unless she only now decided to actually do something about a career? That was no sympathy vote by the judges either, She deserves all the raves.

[lolyla]

Wow. I don't know if she beat Paul Potts as a surprise, but she certainly equalled him. The sad part is that she would never even have been given a chance here in the US because she's not Hollywood glam. Orthopedic shoes and American television do not mix.

[yellowdoggie]

Oh, thank God. Now I can sleep at night.

[liminal67]

I read he may start his own talk show....

http://pitchbendpost.blogspot.com/

[GBO]

You need to check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

[DrJohnnySkeptic]

I have to admit it, that made me bawl my eyes out like a little child.

[Steamboater]

I can see it now. Boyle in a musical adaption of that old Bette Davis film, "Now, Voyager". She's perfect!

[Anonani]

A cash cow that any smart man would keep on milking until it runs dry.

[Jebediah Johnson]

Best dam n t*tty f&*k I ever did do.