By Owen Tonks

Simon Cowell has admitted that he is undecided on whether to return to the next series of American Idol.

The Idol judge is in talks with Fox, the network that hosts the show, but is said to need more time to dedicate to the launch of the X Factor in the US.

Speaking to USA Today, he said: “Whether I’m on it or off it, I think the show will flourish without me. I genuinely do.”

The other Idol judges are said to be irritated with the attention surrounding Simon’s possible departure with Randy Jackson calling the situation “a distraction”. He said: “Let’s focus on what we are judging… finding that next superstar talent.”

By Owen Tonks

Simon Cowell’s run as a judge on American Idol is to end in 2010, reports suggest.

The music mogul is leaving the show to concentrate on taking the X Factor to the US where it will take a new slot on Fox.

Simon’s brother Tony confirmed the news on his podcast, The Cowell Factor. He said: “A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected. Simon will leave Idol at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of X Factor to US TV in 2011.”

The record company exec’s contract with Idol ends in 2010 but Simon has not yet confirmed the news himself.

By Owen Tonks

Simon Cowell has admitted that he almost “walked away” from Susan Boyle after she came second in Britain’s Got Talent.

The Scottish singer is currrently signed to Simon’s SyCo label but wouldn’t have been had she not insisted that she wanted to work hard at building a successful music career.

Appearing on Newsnight, Simon said: “I said to [her family] at the time, the truth is, if this is too much for her or if she doesn’t want to do it, we’ll rip the contract up. No-one is going to be forced into doing anything.

“We were going to make a lot of money and we have, but I would have walked away from that, I would.”

Simon reluctantly confessed that he is to make more money from Susan’s debut album I Dreamed A Dream than she is. He said: “That’s normally the way it operates, but she’s going to make a lot of money.”

By Owen Tonks

Simon Cowell discussed his controversial decision to eliminate Lucie Jones with the X Factor’s executive producer during last night’s result show, reports suggest.

Simon and producer Richard Holloway were allegedly seen in deep discussion during in the advert break after it was announced that Lucie and John and Edward were the least favourite acts with the public.

A source told The Sun: “[Cowell and Holloway] seemed to be discussing what to do. Should they get rid of Lucie, who can obviously sing really well, or finally get rid of the twins?”

Lucie was then voted off the show as Simon left the decision with the public.

The source added: “The producers always claim that Simon doesn’t know how the voting goes before he makes his decision. But after the intense conversation with Simon, Holloway was seen whispering in the ears of judges Dannii [Minogue], Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh.”

On last night’s Xtra Factor Simon insisted that the result was not his fault and that people should pick up the phone to vote for their favourite acts.

By Owen Tonks

Katie Price turned up to Simon Cowell’s 50th birthday party drunk, reports suggest.

The model was allegedly turned away from Simon’s table after arriving late and appearing worse for wear.

Katie’s behaviour went unnoticed though and the party was a great success.

A source told The Mirror: “It was typical Simon – cheeky and fun with one surprise after another.

“Everyone sat on velvet chairs and were given a choice of fish fingers and mushy peas or shepherd’s pie.”

By Owen Tonks

George Sampson, the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2008 has reportedly been dropped by Simon Cowell’s label.

The dancer was released from Cowell’s Syco company after an alleged argument between the pair.

Earlier this year it was reported that George felt second best to Simon’s other acts such as Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke.

A source told the Daily Mail: “George just didn’t prove as marketable as Simon had hoped.

“When acts like George win the show, it’s much harder for them to forge a successful and moneyspinning career compared with a singer, like Susan Boyle.”

It has also been reported that Sampson said he owed money to Cowell for the production costs of his recent DVD.

However, a Syco spokeswoman replied: “There is never a case where artists owe money and nor do marketing or promotion costs come from their percentage. In addition they also get an advance on projects.

“They could work together again in the future. The door is very much open for any other projects that come up.”

By Owen Tonks

X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has admitted that she would not be able to cope with the new X Factor auditions.

The singer told The Mirror that she thinks it is easier to sing in front of the judges than in front of a live audience of thousands during the first audition.

Burke said: “I would never have won with the new format. God, it’s scary performing in front of Simon [Cowell] full stop.

“But to perform in front of thousands of people who will judge you – because sometimes they boo, or they laugh, or even cry – is so scary.”

Alexandra, who wowed the judges during her first audition, continued: “You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. To only have four judges to deal with is better.

“For those that have gone out there and done it, it shows guts and courage. I look up to them because I don’t know if I could have done it and won.”

By Owen Tonks

Aston Merrygold has revealed that he likes to take his clothes off after a few drinks.

The X Factor runner up and JLS singer says that he can become quite an extrovert when drunk.

He told Now magazine: “I like to take my clothes off when I’ve had a few drinks.

“About two New Year’s Eves ago I stripped down to my boxers at a friend’s house.”

Aston’s bandmate, Marvin, is due to have a song released about his cheating behaviour by an ex-girlfriend.

By Owen Tonks

Ellen DeGeneres has confirmed that she will be taking over from Paula Abdul as the new judge on American Idol.

Ellen made the announcement on her US chat show: “No one knows this. I just finally got the OK, just moments ago, to announce this to you today. I am going to be the new judge on American Idol!”

Simon Cowell confirmed the news: “I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the American Idol family. Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”

The season begins in January and Ellen will continue with her chat show whilst working on Idol at the same time.

By Owen Tonks

JLS star Marvin Humes has been accused of cheating by his ex-girlfriend.

Jaime Jay has recorded a song which brands the X Factor runner up a womaniser and has the same melody and backing track as JLS’ hit Beat Again, The Sun reports.

The song is called Cheat Again and contains the lyrics: “We’ll never get back together/I’m really glad we broke up/Can’t take you back ’cause I know you’ll cheat again, cheat again.”

She then continues: “Now we’re not together/Oh boy you truly messed up/Can’t take you back ’cause I know you’ll cheat again, cheat again/You lied to me.”

Earlier this year Humes commented on the female attention that has come with the group’s success: “We’re young boys in the only boyband in the UK. What do you think is going to happen? It’s great.”

Listen to the song below.