The X Factor has concluded its U.S. run after three seasons, Syco, FremantleMedia North America and Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) announced on February 7.
“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 incredible welcome from the American public (most of the time!),” said Simon Cowell. “Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of The X Factor in 2014. So for now, I’m back to the U.K. 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!”
“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. A consummate showman and partner, there’s no one more passionate or creative than Simon, and we feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a wonderful, collaborative relationship with him over the past 12 years,” said Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Unfortunately, there is no X Factor USA without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life. We wish him the very best, and it’s our sincere hope that we work together again soon.”
Launched in 2011, U.S.A.’s The X Factor has had a tough time securing consistent ratings due to the glut of talent shows such as FOX’s other singing competition American Idol and NBC’s The Voice. Cowell left the U.K. X Factor in 2013 to judge the American version, but while viewership in U.K. plunged to 9.6 million from 2010’s high of 17 million without Cowell, the U.S.’s third season failed to achieve success either, averaging 7.1 million viewers and a 2.3 rating among adults 18-49.