By Owen Tonks

Rodney Jerkins is rumoured to be taking Simon Cowell’s place as a judge on American Idol following the announcement of his departure earlier this week.

The producer has previously appeared as a judge on MTV show Starmakers and has been described as “very Simonesque”.

Rodney, also known as Darkchild, has worked with a number of chart topping artists including the Spice Girls, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga.

Representatives for American Idol are yet to comment.

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

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.