Las Vegas Weekly

January 12, 2010 · 1:12 PM

Simon Cowell’s post-American Idol job is L.V.-based X Factor

By Robin Leach

Clockwise from front left, American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell with Victor Drai in Victor's VIP booth at XS in the Encore on April 27, 2009.

Photo: Jacob Dallegos/XS

When American Idol begins its ninth season tonight, it will be the last for cranky jurist Simon Cowell. Simon confirmed our earlier reports that he’s quitting the hit Fox juggernaut to launch his own talent TV series from right here in Las Vegas.

And added word this morning is that he’ll hire his always-at-loggerheads A.I. friend and judge Paula Abdul for The X Factor. However, Fox doesn’t lose Simon entirely because The X Factor will air on Rupert Murdoch’s network.

TV writers received confirmation yesterday in Los Angeles from Fox Chairman Peter Rice and Entertainment President Kevin Reilly -- and Simon himself, who appeared with former girlfriend Terri Seymour.

Simon is believed to be walking away from some 26 million faithful viewers and the biggest TV payday of the industry, rumored to be $33 million over five years. Insiders say that for the past two seasons, Simon has been barely talking to show creator Simon Fuller and as a result has wanted to run his own production.

His six-season-old X Factor in Britain is considered the nation’s largest talent contest and discovered Leona Lewis and Il Divo, among others. It also is seen in Australia, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Russia, Poland, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. In England, Simon reportedly makes $50 million a year from his entertainment endeavors.

The feud between the Simons came to a head in 2005 when Fuller sued Cowell for copying his formula of Britain’s Pop Idol, which became American Idol. However, just before it went to the High Court, the suit was settled. When I met both men separately at the Wynn, I reminded them that back in the 1980s, we had a very successful series, Star Search, which was the original TV talent competition. In addition to appearing as a judge, I partnered with its TV distributor on several programs. And we didn’t sue either of them!

Now I’ve learned that Simon, 50, plans to bring the show here to a Strip hotel, with the grand prize a Las Vegas gig. I know he’s talked with Planet Hollywood executives, and I can reliably tell you that he will be partnered with tycoon Sir Philip Green, who is one of Planet Hollywood head honcho Robert Earl’s closest friends. I’m also hearing that Elvis Presley Enterprises media mogul Robert F.X. Sillerman, who licensed Cirque du Soleil for Viva Elvis at Aria in CityCenter, also is involved in bankrolling the investment.

Simon has confirmed that he wants grow his X Factor franchise in more countries and run a worldwide Internet marketing campaign and retail operation headquartered from here, too.

The first rumor out is that former Spice Girl Mel B, who debuted Peepshow at Planet Hollywood alongside General Hospital’s Kelly Monaco, will become a judge for his London and Las Vegas TV series. Mel confirmed that she’s had meetings with Simon and his team but would not reveal any details.

Vegas DeLuxe will continue to monitor The X Factor developments.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Share This