Whhhhhy, Simon, whyyyy? Okay, so we know why American Idol judge Simon Cowell is leaving AI at the end of the ninth season (which premieres tomorrow night at 9PM ET on Fox): He is, as he announced today at the annual winter TV press tour in Los Angeles, leaving AI to bring his other hit show, the American Idol-ish British hit X Factor, to the U.S.

Cowell’s departure from AI has been rumored for months (his contract is up at the end of season nine), and his brother announced last month that he would definitely not be reupping his AI deal.

Rumors have also persisted that ousted AI judge Paula Abdul will be a judge on pal Cowell’s X Factor, which is something to look forward to if it happens, but today’s announcement makes one thing clear: This new season marks the end of an era for American Idol, and, for me, and I’m guessing a lot of other fans, an American Idol sans Simon seems pointless, no matter who the other judges are or what kind of talent is on the stage.

After all, if it comes down to watching a singing talent search reality series, why not watch the show that has Simon (X Factor), vs. the one that, as of season 10, doesn’t?

But let’s hear from other Idol fans … will you watch a Simon-less AI? And do you think there’s anyone who can possibly replace him on the judges panel?

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