X Factor USA has been cancelled.
Cowell, the creator of The X Factor, returns to the UK show after three years in America, where he developed the US version of the globally syndicated show – which FOX confirmed won’t return for a fourth season this year after it was first revealed by MailOnline.
Bosses at US network Fox decided to shelve the show after Cowell’s departure admitting, ‘There is no X Factor USA without Simon’.
Plenty to smile about: Simon Cowell has confirmed his return to The X Factor after a three year absence
And his departure from X Factor USA was confirmed on Friday, with Simon saying: ‘I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on The X Factor and American Idol. And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public (most of the time!).’
‘Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the UK version of The X Factor in 2014. So for now, I’m back to the UK and I want to thank FOX for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows. America, I’ll see you soon!’
Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, added: ‘To all of us at FOX, Simon is more than one of the most prolific TV personalities of our time -he’s part of our family.
‘A consummate showman and partner, there’s no one more passionate or creative than Simon, and we feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a wonderful, collaborative relationship with him over the past 12 years.
‘Unfortunately, there is no X Factor USA without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life. We wish him the very best, and it’s our sincere hope that we work together again soon.’
Comeback: Cowell hasn’t featured on UK version of The X Factor since 2011
Cowell, whose entertainment company Syco co-produces The X Factor with Fremantle Media UK, confirmed his return to the UK show, as first reported by MailOnline, saying: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to The X Factor UK.
‘It’s been three years since I last judged the competition and I’m excited to find a global superstar again.’
‘The UK X Factor has set the benchmark in finding worldwide superstars over the years – including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd, Olly Murs , JLS and Little Mix.’
He added: ‘Despite all the rumours, ITV and the producers have not decided on the rest of the judging panel quite yet. You’ll just have to wait and see.’
The American version has suffered a consistent drop in rating during its three year run – despite marquee additions to the judging panel in the form of Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.
Cowell quit the UK panel in order to establish the series across the Atlantic, but US audiences have not met expectations and viewing figures at home have also slumped since he left with the show regularly beaten by BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing.
A TV source said: ‘The UK show needs him this year especially after losing out to Strictly last year.
‘Simon is incredibly competitive and this show is Simon’s baby. There’s a certain magic for Simon on this show because this is where it all started for him – so it was always going to be his priority.
‘The other three seats are a long way from being decided so far. But everyone knows Simon attracts a higher calibre of singers to audition.
Old friends: Cowell and Cheryl Cole were regular sparring partners on the UK version of the show, and with the rest of the judging panel yet to be confirmed she may well reunite with the music mogul later this year
‘Contestants have seen what he has done for Leona Lewis and One Direction as well as artists like Olly Murs and Cher Lloyd. They know he can spot real star potential.’
The source confirmed that series of ‘stumbling blocks’ hampered further development on the fourth series of The X Factor USA – paving the way for his full time commitment to the UK.
‘X Factor producers had been meeting with Fox to discuss the fourth season of the US show,’ the source added.
‘Format changes were discussed as was the issue of how to overcome the sports scheduling clashes, which sees the World Series of baseball break-up the show’s run. That was a big stumbling block for Simon.
‘But, most importantly, the US producers wanted Simon back in the US full-time or to have him fly between Los Angeles and London. Simon had previously said he didn’ want to do that.’
How it was: Straight talking Cowell, seen here with Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue, was a hit with fans during his tenure on The X Factor UK
The source added:‘ITV waited patiently and made it clear they would make him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
‘When they found out he was to become a dad, they knew they might be able to achieve their goal because he now wanted to be closer to his family.’
Cowell’s baby son with girlfriend Lauren Silverman, due to be named Simon Jnr, is due on February 28 and will be born in New York.
Of his return, Peter Fincham, ITV’s director of television, said: ‘It’s fantastic news that Simon is returning to The X Factor. We are all very much looking forward to him re-joining the judging panel later this year.’
Sara Geater, CEO Fremantle Media UK, continued: ‘We’re delighted to welcoming Simon back to the panel for this year’s X Factor and are looking forward to what is sure to be a great series.’
