Simon Cowell says he is leaving Idol

First it was Paula, now it’s Simon Cowell’s turn.

Cowell announced Monday that he’s leaving American Idol at the end of the season.

“I want to leave Idol this year bigger and better than it was in the past,” Cowell told reporters at the Television Critics Association tour Monday.

Starting in the fall of 2011, he will appear on a different Fox show, The X Factor, an American version of a hit talent contest he created in the UK.

Cowell will be both executive producer and judge on the new show.

“I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the U.S. version of The X Factor, and delighted to be continuing to work with Fox,” he said. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

Source: Miami Herald