Fox Broadcasting Company and Simon Cowell himself confirmed that it is his last season as American Idol Judge. According to Cowell he wanted to do something different and wanted a new challenge. He also announced that he will be a judge on “The X Factor”, a talent search he created and which is popular in Britain and will be also launched in the US. THE X FACTOR show was launched in the U.K. back 2004, will serve as both executive producer and judge on the U.S. version.

Meanwhile American Idol Season 9 will premier on January 12, 2010 (8 p.m. EST) on Fox.