Fox is nearing a deal with American Idol's 19 Entertainment and Fremantlemedia to extend the hit show past 2011, when the current deal expires. And the network is doing so even amid rampant rumors that one of the show's staples, Simon Cowell, could be leaving following 2010.
Tony Cowell, Simon's brother, has said that the music mogul plans to leave Idol after this season in order to concentrate on bringing his own reality talent competition, X Factor, to the U.S.
It is being reported that Cowell is also close to upping his $35 million salary to $50 million in order to return. The new contract would keep Cowell as an Idol judge through 2012.
Fox is looking to lock up American Idol for at least three more years. The show recently replaced original judge Paula Abdul on the judges table with Ellen DeGeneres and extended new judge Kara DioGuardi for another year.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.