Simon Cowell to quit American Idol

Another season, another story about Simon Cowell departing the show he helped make a phenom.

Except, this time, it just may happen. After all, Paula Abdul is gone from the program for its coming ninth season. Everything ultimately comes to an end sometime.

Simon's contract expires after the ninth season ends in May and Reuters reports his brother blurted out that Simon's "bored" with the show and ready to move on.

 Can you blame him? Here's a program that introduces several exciting new contestants each season and voters keep on giving the title to bland, forgettable "Idols" such as Kris Allen and David Cook. We'd be bored, too, altho Simon's millions could tend to make even Kris seem interesting and endurable for another few months.

It could also be the usual pre-show hype given that Idol's season begins in a few weeks on Fox. Simon could re-up if, say, the addition of Ellen DeGeneres as a judge stirs his interest for one more go 'round. If I was a betting man, however, I'd bet he leaves this time. Idol's really run its course, the introduction of  Adam Lambert, notwithstanding.

(Speaking of Adam, excellent appearance on Jay Leno Show the other night. He sang his current single, Whataya Want From Me, which, like the album it comes from, is proving to be a real grower, and he was engaging and upbeat in the interview portion.)

Here's the Reuters story on Simon. Photo: AP

Follow Howard Cohen on Twitter @HowardCohen

Comments

[Lori]

You can't be talking about the same David Cook that just completed 150+ stops on the Declaration Tour or sold over 1.2 million CDs in a down economy or had 3, yes 3 platinum records since his departure from Idol 18 months ago or played to 115,000 in Manila or had the most songs on Billboard since the Beatles? You clearly know nothing of David Cook, the real artist that changed American Idol forever.

[Made]

What Lori said! Not to mention David Cook's ratings in Billboard's 2009 end of year charts:
#03 Top Rock Album Artist
#04 Top Rock Albums
#13 The Billboard 200 Top Selling Albums (only new artist in the top 15)
#14 Billboard 200 Artists (only new artist in the top 15)

It seems there are many people who doesn't agree with you in considering David "bland and forgettable"!

[DITTO]

I ditto Lori and Made....."bland and forgettable"...OBVIOUSLY you have NEVER been to one of his concerts. Absolutely amazing! The best concert(S) I have ever been to! And looking forward to his next album and tour!

[ewtguy]

Wow! You sound like you might be hetrophobic! hee! You really do NOT know what is actually selling and what is NOT selling so well do you? Sounds like you are a Heeeuuge Lord Glambert fan and just like half the world right now you are doing EVERYTHING you can to make every one else sound bad to build your guy up! Good luck with that one! It will only work for a little while. The American public is really NOT AS DUMB as YOU THINK!

[Emma]

Bland and forgettable David Cook? I think not!

The press and 19 is doing their best to shove Glambert down the public's throat. So far,not working for the GreatestRockStar since Elvis. Hope to never hear another word about him, Jon & Kate, et al..

[Kat]

You are aware that Adam's new single is his third try at a hit after two failures, right? Meanwhile, Cook has had three successful singles on radio and Kris Allen already had radio playing his song well in advance of his album coming out. Neither of these artists who you think are so boring had multiple failures to their name in spite of advance publicity, or were so unable to control themselves in public that they got thrown off several TV shows.

Like it or not, the radio-listening public seems to like these boring young men and is willing to play their songs. Just because you think their accomplishments don't matter doesn't mean that they don't exist. The world does not revolve around Adam Lambert, and he is lagging far behind in catching up to the artists you hate. Please don't laud him for accomplishment he doesn't have at this point.

[Clodia L]

Please, don't talk of people you don't know ! David Cook is the most talented, intelligent, versatile and promising young artist. Contrary to Adam (who is only a joke), David is also a musician and writes most of his songs . I think you owe us and David an APOLOGY !

[bejayful]

Really, you mean UNFORGETTABLE DAVID COOK! and you mean simon is now bored because his wishes or predictions has lately been false? or that he has become a bore on AI? well, whatever... atleast i now have found my unforgettable AI, nothing and no one will take that away from me, DC forever!

[lvmyHBYnDC]

DITTO DITTO DITTO - you need to go see David Cook and his band The Anthemic live - they put on an amazing show. He is so entertaining and he is an amazing singer/songwriter/performer. He is genuinely grateful to his fans and shows it constantly. These 2 guys won American Idol, which means millions of people liked them and didn't find them "boring". Apart from Kris, I lost interest in AI after David Coook's season. They are NICE GUYS and we need more of them. Why do some only seem to be interested in entertainers who put on ridiculous displays of self-indulgence and have so much going on when they're singing that you can't even hear them. When David Cook sits on stage and sings with just the lyrics and the guitar, it's an absolutely surreal experience. Listen sometime!!!

I will not take away from the fact that Adam Lambert is talented, I personally, just don't enjoy his singing or performance. I will, however, agree that his performance on Jay Leno the other night was good, because he just got up there and sang, which is what he should've done on the AMA's.

David Cook fan for life and proud of it !!

[a]

Howard has a secret crush on David Cook and always finds a way to work him into the story. Is like the little boy in the playground who pushes the girl he likes.

[Amy]

Another Adam fanboy disguised as a journalist. By January, Adam's album sales will sink lower than ever and it'll take him at least a month to make gold. No chance of platinum for him with these sales, and his latest single only sold 20K this week after all those performances on So You Think You Can Dance and Jay Leno, Conan, etc. He's a failure in the US. He'll soon be shipped off to Europe where they think he'll matter.

[Carole Stryker]

You simply cannot get away with calling an artist who changed the way songs should be arranged and sung on American Idol bland. The fact that the contestants on the following season tried to follow his example by finding interesting and different ways to sing the songs proves that. The sales for both the album and the tour also back that up. This is a new economy for record sales. David is one of only 19 artists to sell a million records this year.

[Panther]

Aww, The Cookfarts still have no love for the Glam One? Howard Cohen is right David Cook is forgettable and bland, he brings nothing new to the table, he is nothing but another Nickelback wanna be. Lambert got people that hated Idol to actually watch the show last season. David Cook sold well because he came off an emotional win on his season then slowed down in 2009 like every other artist, he is no Daughtry when it comes to sales and even Daughtry 2nd CD won't sell like his 1st CD. I will be interested to see David Cooks 2nd Cd sales because he will suffer like every artist that has suffered this past year except of course Susan Boyle, LOL. To compare David to Lambert at this stage of the game is laughable. Who the heck even know who David Cook is? David Cook did well but he's made no impact or influence to pop culture as a whole and that is what will make an artist stand the test of time. Just youtube Lambert and he has people of all ages and in many countries already covering his songs and look, That is called influence and impact. Lambert's 1st single T4M was for the movie 2012 and was not pushed for radio, as for his 2nd single FYE that was also not pushed for radio but guess what, both singles are climbing the charts in the Asia market and FYE is climbing in the Canadian market all without any promotions. I would suggest that all other Idol fans not compare Lambert's roll out and introduction to their Idols because Lambert is like no other Idol that has come along. In one year from now we will see the real story. Love him or hate him he is not forgettable.Lambert's personality will make sure he is not forgotten. If everyone loved Lambert I would worry that he would not be the Superstar that he will be. Only the true Superstars has everyone talking about him rather you love him or hate him. Like Paula and Simon said he will be Iconic.

[Darlene]

David Cook is anything but boring. Even Simon said on Larry King Live that Cook was his choice of a singer for his personal enjoyment. Of course Simon is getting bored. The judges have to listen to hundreds of singers to find the few good ones. It's called "work", for which he is well paid. Adam Lambert is an excellent performer, and so different from Cook, I can't even compare them.

[Darlene]

Just to give credit where it is due, AI was extremely lucky that David Cook turned out to be such a talented live performer. Also, Cook did a lot to help the show in general because he was so outstanding. Adam Lambert added some excitement for his season because he was fun to watch plus has a good voice, but so far record sales have been disappointing.

[Lori]

Panther, it's unfortunate that you chose to represent Adam Lambert's fandom in the manner in which you did. Cookfarts? How immature. You must realize after that intro, your subsequent ramblings lost all credibility.

There's no comparing David and Adam. David has a proven track record of success over the last 18 months, unlike poor Adam, who continues to stumble in his rollout. His management team keeps trying different angles to try to make him successful. The latest talk is that they will attempt to sell him in the international market. Perhaps he can be more successful there; I wish him well in that market.

[Panther]

Darlene, Agreed. Cook was the best in his season as was Lambert.Period. The constant bashing on Lambert from Cook and other Idol fans are beyond belief. Should Lambert pay the price because the media and the music industry has good things to say about him? Lambert and Cook are very different, not everyone is entertained by someone who stands there with just his guitar, sorry. Some people like the showmanship going all the way back to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, some people like the good old fashion bad boy Rock & Roll going back to the 60's and 70's,not everyone want their Rockers in plaid shirts singing ballad love songs. If Lambert didn't have the talent and the VOICE I would say, yes to the hype, but even the haters admit the boy can sing even if it's not to their taste. I hate Celine Dion but that girl can sing. Madonna can't sing
but love her showmanship, Taylor Swift can't sing to save her own life but I love that cheesy little girl.Get the point. LoL to even declare Lambert a failure after what 3 weeks is
wishful thinking. And yes, Europe will matter. it's called International Superstar were the real money is made. All artists want to tour international at some point it is what expands their fan base and helps keep their future CDs in making profits, to only depend on the US music market is suicidal. Just look at all the sales of A-list artists for 2009 compared to their previous sales. All sold lower. Lambert has a bright future ahead him beyond the music world. When you have Dior, Vogue looking at you can I hear endorsements, please. When you have directors like Rob Marshall wanting you in his next movie and Steven Spielberg calling you his hero,hello. Success comes in many forms
bragging about music sales are not the end to the means. Some of the best musicians don't sell a million CDs.

[Panther]

Calling Cooks fans Cookfarts is mild compared to them calling for Lambert death because of his lifestyle. I have no pity. Cook fan site is infested with hatred and bigotry, sorry.
The glee that they have on hoping Lambert fails is sad and it will backfire. BTW, I do not think
Cooks fans reflect on him in any way.

[Marco]

Panther, you go to the David's fansite just to read what they say about Adam? Sorry that's pretty sad, and death threats from Cook fans are just completely nonexistent. I also agree with Lori, it is unfortunate that Adam's fanbase is being represented from you, I'm sure most of Idol Alumi's fansbases are nice and respectful.

Anyways back commenting on the ARTICLE, David and Kris aren't boring, but I agree Simon's departure from Idol will probably end Idol. That said maybe Simon will bring a new talent show to the US.

[Panther]

Marco, On my Adam Google alert it led be straight to Cooks site with a thread called Kris Allen and Adam Lambert new singles and albums sales, So no I did not go to Cook's fansite "for my entertainment". Many Lamberts fans came across it. As for me representing Lamberts fans, I don't think so. No more than a few of Cooks fans representing him and going to every article bashing Lambert and writers when they bring him up. What is sad is when you hate an Idol, read everything about him, watch all his videos and use all of it as ammo against him. Let's not play fair shall we. There are more comments on that thread than the actual idol himself.Obsessive much. The handwringing on Lambert is hilarious. What is more interesting is that Cooks fans always felt that David got ignored so what so different now? Cook was AI winner for the past year, it is like a beauty pageant you past the crown over to the next guy and let him have his year(Kris Allen). Why Cook fans are obsess with Lambert is puzzling. Kris Allen fans know their guy is low key and they are happy with that. Both guys fan sites have threads devoted to the "Kradams" because they announced they wanted it there for the pleasure of their mutual fans, why? because they like each other that's why. What a concept. I would like to read an article about Lambert without the hate. Thank You.

[Marco]

"Aww, The Cookfarts still have no love for the Glam One? Howard Cohen is right David Cook is forgettable and bland, he brings nothing new to the table, he is nothing but another Nickelback wanna be."

"I would like to read an article about Lambert without the hate. Thank You."
Oh the irony.

Alright I'll just end this silly online argument. Adam and David will have they're own paths to success.

[Panther]

Thank You Marco, I take back my impulse comments and for what it's worth I do have Cooks 1st CD and looking forward to his 2nd which are always better even when sales won't be, but at least they are truer to themselves as artists when they have more creative input.

[Frannie Wessel]

Thanks for showing no matter how much publicity you give a performer it really comes down to them having to prove themselves. Case in point. David Cook has proven that point, no performer has worked as hard as he has this year. He also did it by being humble, polite, compassionate, articulate and with dignity. He has never acted inappropriately in any way and made TBTB or fans embarassed. He did his Declaration Tour with 154 (mostly sold out) concerts, put out his first album that went platinum in less then 4 months. Two singles on the album also went platinum this year plus did many TV appearances beside. That is a hard working artist.

The main reason I am a fan of David Cook is because his sensitivity to his music makes him a master of connecting with his audience so that they feel exactly what he is feeling and isn't that what art is about. Artistaudience

[qwerty]

Panther: " Lambert got people that hated Idol to actually watch the show last season."

Funny you should say that because Cook got me, who never watched one episode of AI, to tune in on his season.

Panther: "Just youtube Lambert and he has people of all ages and in many countries already covering his songs"

This same thing has been happening with Cook and his songs for the past 1.5 years.

Just pointing out that your examples are completely arbitrary and thus prove nothing.

[Hanna]

Who is Adam Lambert?

[Tim]

Wow!! The Cook Cows come to the rescue!! LMAO!! Mooo moooo