After many rumors and buzz about the future of it’s reality singing competition show, “The X-Factor,” Fox put all chatter to rest when it cancelled the show after three seasons. Created by Simon Cowell, who is the mastermind behind, “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent” and the UK version of “The X-Factor,” the show which had contestants of all ages and varying degrees of talent competing for a multi-million dollar recording contract, the show never really caught on in the USA compared to it’s US competition, “American Idol” and “The Voice.”
Cowell is set to return to the UK edition as a judge this year. “I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on The X Factor and American Idol,” Cowell said in a statement. “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!). Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the UK version of The X Factorin 2014. So for now, I’m back to the UK 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!”
Despite declining ratings, Fox chairman Kevin Reilly noted Cowell’s decision to leave the judging panel as reason for the cancellation. “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. 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.”
“The X-Factor” seemed plagued from the start. The show went through a revolving door of hosts and judges from Khole Kardashian, Britney Spears, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and Demi Lovato. The show seemed to find it’s stride in this third and final season with the panel of Kelly Rowland, Lovato, Cowell and the entertaining Paulina Rubio and talent like runner-ups Jeff Gutt and Carlito Olivero and winners Alex and Sierra but by season’s end, it was too late.
On the heels of the season finale, Lovato announced her plans to leave the show after two seasons and later Cowell announced his decision to leave the judging table during a conference call with reporters thus sealing the show’s fate for FOX.
