Simon Cowell has announced that he will be leaving “American Idol” and focusing on a new talent search called “The X Factor.”  Read more on Simon’s decision to leave American Idol below.

Simon Cowell plans to focus his attention on a new talent search show after this season.

“The X Factor will launch in 2011,” Cowell told reporters Monday. “Because of that, this will be my last season on American Idol.”

Cowell, who launched The X Factor in the U.K.,  will be the executive producer and judge of the American version.

“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,” Cowell said in a statement. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

Season 9 of American Idol will premiere Tuesday (8 p.m. EST) on FOX.

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images: wenn.com

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