‘American Idol’ Will Lose Its Villain

Simon Cowell is leaving Fox’s ratings monster to launch an American version of “X Factor,” which will allow older performers to compete with the kiddies. Cowell said “we’re hoping to find the American version of Susan Boyle,” the homely Scottish singer who exploded to international stardom with a stint on “Britain’s Got Talent,” another Cowell show.

“Idol,” which is so popular it is referred to as “the Death Star” by the competition, isn’t going anywhere. But Fox will have a hell of a time finding a replacement for Cowell’s reliable negativity and meanness. We nominate Dick Cheney.  —PZS

The Wrap:

He added that allowing older contestants was a big draw for him.

“Susan Boyle is probably the best example of why I like a show with an upper age range,” Cowell said. “Without a show like that, she wouldn’t have been able to get a recording contract. With the American version of ‘The X Factor,’ we’re hoping to find the American version of Susan Boyle.”

Fox officials said they have no successor lined up to replace Cowell on “Idol.”

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