Simon Cowell’s Idol Surprise

Simon Cowell has quit American Idol.  This is his last season.

This has everything to do with a non-compete clause in his Idol contract that prevents him from bringing his popular UK show The X Factor to American television.

Cowell owns a piece of The X Factor and makes a lot more money from a moderately successful show he owns than a ratings juggernaut on which he is a performer.  (Yes, he’s a performer.  Shut up)

We’re discussing the whole American Idol / Simon Cowell /controversy on our sister music site, SonicClash.  Join the conversation there.