British personality Simon Cowell became an American household name thanks to the Fox juggernaut “American Idol,” but now he’s considering leaving the show after the next season to pursue other ventures. This shouldn’t be a big surprise to fans of the show – Simon’s been phoning in his “nasty judge” routine for at least two seasons now. This last season, Cowell seemed distracted and hardly even paid attention to the competition itself.

You’ll be hearing Simon Cowell’s biting critiques of aspiring singers on U.S. television for years to come, but after 2010 it may not be on ‘American Idol,’ according to a report in the Times of London.

Cowell is reportedly considering standing down from his post on ‘Idol’ after next season and switching his focus to bringing the hugely successful British show ‘X Factor’ to the USA. Ironically, the report states that Cowell is in talks with FOX to be the home of ‘Factor,’ meaning he would remain on the same network as ‘Idol.’

He is said to have told Fox Entertainment’s Peter Rice about his thoughts on leaving ‘Idol’ at meeting in London six weeks ago. Officials from FOX and ‘Idol’ yesterday refused to comment.

Cowell has been the star of ‘Idol’ for its entire eight-year run and made $36 million last year alone. His salary for season nine is reportedly about $45 million.

Without his influence and star power, it’s unclear if ‘Idol’ can maintain its spot as the most popular show on television. It would also end his long and fruitful relationship with Simon Fuller.

According to the Times, Cowell is doggedly determined to make ‘X-Factor’ a hit in America. Unlike ‘Idol,’ judges on the show not only pick the singers but also coach them to stardom.

“It has to go to America. There has to be an American version of the show,” he has said. “To not take ‘The X Factor’ to the biggest market in the world would be crazy.”

[From PopEater]

Britain’s “X Factor” is the show that launched pop singer Leona Lewis’ career. It seems like pretty much the exact same format as “Idol,” with the small exception that the judges coach the contestants. Is there room in the U.S. for yet another singing competition? There’s already “Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “The Sing-Off.” Does Simon really think “X-Factor” is different enough to be a hit in what seems like an already saturated market? And more importantly, will “Idol” survive if he leaves? Maybe this is all part of his contract re-negotiation with Fox and he’s holding out for more money. I can’t imagine that the show’s producers would just let him leave – he’s a big reason why people tune in each week.