What a great day to start off the working week. Yes, it is a day that brings news to us and signals that in the near future American Idol will plummet into oblivion. It was just announced that Simon Cowell will not return to the judging panel after this season (season 10). The reason for the departure is due to the fact that Cowell is importing his baby across the pond from the U.K.: The X-Factor. The X Factor which reached audiences of 20 million in the U.K. will premiere on U.S. television in the fall of 2011 on the FOX nework. Read Fox’s official statement on X-Factor:

“THE X FACTOR” TO LAUNCH ON FOX IN 2011

FOX announced today that THE X FACTOR will launch in the U.S. in the fall of 2011. Simon Cowell, who created and launched THE X FACTOR in the U.K. in 2004, will serve as both executive producer and judge on the U.S. version, which will be produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America.

THE X FACTOR is currently shown in 17 countries worldwide with a global audience of more than 500 million, and is the No. 1 TV entertainment format in Europe. Cowell will continue to serve as both executive producer and judge on the U.K. version. THE X FACTOR format is owned by Syco, a global music, television and film production joint venture between Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment.

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

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, said, “We have had a very successful relationship with Simon Cowell for many years, and we’re absolutely delighted to continue our relationship with him. THE X FACTOR has been a massive success around the world, and we can’t wait to bring it to the U.S. in 2011.”

“THE X FACTOR has enjoyed an unparalleled success in its U.K. home market and globally,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America. “We are truly excited to bring it to the U.S. and look forward to building another entertainment franchise in the marketplace.”

About Syco/Simon Cowell

Syco, with offices in London and Los Angeles, is a global music, television and film production joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment.

Syco Television produces the BAFTA Award-winning “The X Factor,” which has topped the charts in Europe and in the U.K., where Cowell continues to serve as both executive producer and judge. Syco Television is also the owner of the “Got Talent” television format. Versions of both “The X Factor” and “Got Talent” are co-produced by Syco and shown in more than 40 countries. [SOURCE]

We’re not crying a river over this one at all because it’s been a few years since we even watched Idol. One thing is for sure though and that is, without Cowell’s stinging comments and Paula Abdul’s off-the-wall mannerisms, A.I. will be boring.