Simon Cowell has announced he is leaving American Idol after the ninth season ends this year. Cowell told reporters he plans to focus on the launch of the American version of his UK show, “The X Factor.” Cowell will be a judge as well as the executive producer of the talent show.

“The X Factor will launch in 2011. Because of that, this will be my last season on American Idol this year,” he said.

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

Season nine of American Idol premieres Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Fox.

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