Cowell Called "Irreplaceable" for "Idol"
Is "American Idol" losing an "irreplaceable" fixture?
Simon Cowell delivered a bombshell as "Idol" prepared to kick off its ninth season -- it will be his last on the mega-hit reality show.
"Idol" is, notes CBS News Correspondent Bianca Solorzano, the show known for making stars, and Cowell's the judge known for his occasional downright nastiness.
He says he's packing his bags to take his act to another show, bringing the British hit "X Factor" across the pond next year.
Cowell is said to earn $36 million dollars a season for "Idol," but will be producing and judging on "X Factor" -- meaning an even bigger payout it that show becomes a smash hit stateside.
"Idol" was already facing major changes. Last season, a fourth judge, Kara Dioguardi, was added. Now, Paula Abdul is out, soon to be replaced by Ellen Degeneres.
How will "Idol" fare sans-Cowell?
"I'm sure the show will continue. Personally, I think Simon is irreplaceable. I'm not just saying that because he employs me!" observed Amanda Holden, a judge along with Cowell on "Britain's Got Talent," the show that made Susan Boyle famous.
"I think it's ("Idol") a great show," Holden continued on "The Early Show" Tuesday. "I think it's a good music show. But I think 'X Factor,' personally, is a better show. All the judges get the chance to mentor each act, and that's the difference between that and 'American Idol.' So you see their development and behind-the-scenes a lot more. So it's a monster hit in (Britain), and I think it will be huge in America, as well."
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Photos: Simon Cowell
Co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez pointed out that Cowell was frequently rough on Maroulis when he was on the "Idol" stage, but Maroulis said, "I grew up in a conservatory setting. I had teachers like him growing up. And I feel like I really learned a lot from the experience on 'American Idol.' And particularly with Simon. I just don't see their having the same success without Simon Cowell. They'll probably make an attempt to replace him for up a couple of seasons or something. ... It just won't be the same show, and definitely, the numbers (ratings) won't be the same. ... They need a new cleanup hitter, if you know what I mean. They need someone in there who can, really, I don't know, take it home. Simon's irreplaceable."
Holden said she's not really surprised Cowell is leaving "Idol."
"I'm more surprised," she noted, "by the fact that he stayed with the same show for nine years. He's renowned for having quite a low boredom threshold and, as much as we're all talking about the amount of money and stuff he's going to be earning -- I know this is gonna sound ridiculous -- but he isn't actually motivated by money. He's motivated by what is fun and entertaining for him. So I would imagine that, after nine years, he's kind of -- he's done it all on idol and he wants a fresh challenge."