Simon Cowell seals 100m-pound mega-deal to take X Factor to US
By ANITuesday, January 12, 2010
LONDON - Simon Cowell has made a 100-million-pound deal to take The X Factor to the US.
“We reached an agreement at 10.30 this morning,” the Mirror quoted Cowell as telling guests at a TV Critics Association event in Pasedena, California.
“X Factor will launch in 2011 with me judging and producing the show.
“So this will be my last season on American Idol.”
He added: “I’m thrilled and excited about this.”
The music mogul will quit American Idol after this series to focus on the US X Factor.
A source said: “This puts Simon up with the big boys. Now he has real money as well as real power.”
Talking about the US X factor Louis Walsh said: “I am sure it will be massive. He knows TV better than anyone else and he has an instinct for what people want to watch. I am sure it will be a big hit.”
And Cowell hopes to find a Susan Boyle in the US too.
He said: “Susan is probably the best example of why I like a show with an upper age range.
“Without a show like that, she wouldn’t have been able to get a recording contract. With the US version we’re hoping to find the American version of Susan Boyle.”
Cowell revealed he was “offered a lot of money” to stay on the American Idol but added: “I wanted a new challenge.”
Cheryl Cole and Paula Abdul could join the US X Factor, slated to air next year.
Cowell said: “I adore Paula. Whatever happens, I will be working with her in some capacity. Because I miss her.” (ANI)
