X Factor USA Canceled: FOX Confirms Talent Show Won’t Return For Fourth Season After Simon Cowell Departure
After a three-year run on FOX, the American version of Simon Cowell's X Factor will not be returning for a fourth season, network officials confirmed Friday.
The news comes just after show creator and judging panel head Simon Cowell announced that he would be leaving the show, and would head back to the UK to work on that version of the competition series instead.
According to The Daily Mail, Cowell released a statement saying that while he has enjoyed his time helping cultivate two successful talent competition programs in the U.S., the time has come for his return to the U.K.
"I've had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on The X Factor and American Idol. And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredibly welcome from the American public (most of the time)!" the statement read.
"Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the UK version of the X Factor in 2014. SO for now, I' m back to the UK and I want to thank FOX for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows. America, I'll see you soon!"
Shortly afterwards, Kevin Reilly, the Chairman of Entertainment at Fox made the announcement about the show's fate.
"To all of us at FOX, Simon is more than one of the most prolific TV personalities of our time-he's part of our family...Unfortunately there is no X Factor USA without Simon Cowell," he said.
Cowell quit the U.K. panel of the show three years ago to start up the U.S. version, but since he left the show has reportedly begun to slump in ratings, and has fallen behind its main competition on BBC, Strictly Come Dancing. Though the U.K. Version has cultivated the talents of hot stars including One Direction and Leona Lewis, Cowell is reportedly returning to re-attract the audience.
Since getting his beginnings on American Idol and granting the U.S. a glimpse of his snarky and cynical commentary, Cowell has discovered several American musical acts, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson and Alex & Sierra.
Between the two shows, he has also judged with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.
