So who needs Simon Cowell anyway?
Fox plans to renew “American Idol” for several more years — with or without Cowell, according to reports yesterday.
All week, insiders have been saying that Cowell is leaving TV’s biggest show after this season to focus on a US version of his British hit, “The X Factor.”
Fox yesterday declined to comment on a report in the Hollywood Reporter that it was seeking to renew “Idol” for up to three years.
There’s even a chance that Cowell could stay with “Idol” beyond this season — but in a reduced role, perhaps only judging the Hollywood rounds, according to the report.
Cowell’s $35 million annual deal with “Idol” is due to expire in May, the end of Season 9 of the hit series. The network would like to nail down a new contract before the new season begins next month, to avoid the uncertainty of negotiating with its biggest star while the show is on the air.