Media News
Cowell taking X Factor stateside - Report
Thursday 24 September 2009
According to Reuters Cowell, who is in the final year of his contract on 'Idol', had been open about his desire to bring his mega-hit British format to the US, something he couldn't do under his existing 'Idol' contract.
Now Fox and Cowell are said to be hammering out a deal to launch an American version of 'X Factor' - while locking in Cowell as an 'Idol' judge for two more years, through the 2011-12 season.
The deal has not been finalized, and major points are being negotiated, but it is rumoured that Cowell could earn about $50 (€34) million a season for 'Idol' and that a successful 'X Factor' might bring him an additional $50 million a cycle.
It has not been determined whether Cowell, who would executive produce 'X Factor' for Fox, also would appear as a judge.
Other rumoured celebrity candidates for the judges' panel are former 'Idol' co-star Paula Abdul plus there are reports that Cowell might bring Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh to America with him.
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