Confirmed: Simon Cowell Leaving Idol This Year

American Idol is officially going down the tubes. We already had a problem with the addition of the fourth judge Kara DioGuardi last year. After that, it was announced Paula Abdul was leaving the judge’s table after eight seasons on the show. She was replaced by Ellen DeGeneres, which gave us a little glimmer of hope for the show, but that’s since been squashed.

Now we hear Simon Cowell is definitely leaving Idol after this season. We’ve heard rumors for months about his departure, but his brother has now confirmed the news.

Tony Cowell said via podcast, “Meanwhile, Simon prepares for a new season of Idol—or should I say, his last season of Idol. OK, I will. Because it is. As I sit here with my family in the sunny Caribbean, a press statement is being prepared, which will confirm what everyone expected: Simon will leave Idol at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of X Factor to U.S. TV in 2011.”

We guess we can’t blame Simon. He must be tired of doing Idol year after year. X Factor has proven to be a very popular show overseas, so we’re excited for it to premiere here in the U.S.!