Simon Cowell is Leaving American Idol

The Associated Press reports today at 3:30 that Simon Cowell, the crusty veteran judge of American Idol, will leave after this year.

Simon has been on the judge's panel since the beginning. He has distinguished himself as the "tough guy" judge often reducing contestants to tears. Simon was frequently heard telling contestants on-air to find a new career.

Simon, who often chided the beautiful Paula Abdul, will have to find someone new this year as Paula left last year. Along with Paula, Randy Jackson has been on the panel since the beginning also.

This year will see the addition of Kara DioGuardi as a permanent replacement for Paula. Kara was a guest judge last year that showed she had a good ear for musical talent. Also joining the judges' panel will be comedian and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres. This should add to the contestants woos as each judge critiques their singing each week.

Week 9 of "American Idol" is set to debut Tuesday January 12 on FOX.

Each year 100's of thousands of contestant's tryout for the Emmy Award Winning Show that creates a singing career for the top ten contestants, especially the winner. Past winners such as Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordon Sparks are but a few that have gone on to fame in the music world.

The judges are not the only ones who have a say about the winner as the American public gets to vote as well. This was probably the first television show to allow voting by telephone or text message and helped to boast AT&T's weary business.

Simon was no doubt the star of the show as he could cut you to ribbons or put you on cloud nine with his critiques of your performance from week to week. "Keeping it real" as Randy would say while allowing and encouraging contestants to push themselves hard and into the public limelight.

Simon you will be missed but we look forward to your last year "keeping it real".