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`The X Factor`: Simon Cowell and winners of `The X Factor,` Alex & Sierra, after the season three finale on FOX. (FOX photo by Ray Mickshaw).
"The X Factor": Simon Cowell and winners of "The X Factor," Alex & Sierra, after the season three finale on FOX. (FOX photo by Ray Mickshaw).

Simon Cowell to depart U.S. version of 'The X Factor'

by jmaloni

Submitted

Sat, Feb 8th 2014 01:15 am

Entertainment mogul to return as judge on "The X Factor UK" and focus on continued global success of international formats

The award-winning international phenomenon "The X Factor" has concluded its domestic run after three seasons, it was announced Friday by Syco, FremantleMedia North America and Fox Broadcasting Co.

"I've had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on 'The X Factor' and 'American Idol.' 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!)," Cowell said. "Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of 'The X Factor' in 2014. So for now, I'm back to the U.K., 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!"

"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. A consummate showman and partner, there's no one more passionate or creative than Simon, and we feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a wonderful, collaborative relationship with him over the past 12 years," said Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment at Fox Broadcasting Co. "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' has become a true global hit entertainment format produced locally in 45 countries and, since its launch in 2004, has been watched by more than half a billion people around the world," said Trish Kinane, president of entertainment programming and executive producer, FremantleMedia North America. "The U.S. version of 'The X Factor' has had a great run dominating the social media charts and discovering internationally successful artists, but Simon's return to the U.K. 'X Factor' has been long anticipated. We have long-running partnerships both with FOX and Syco Entertainment, and very much look forward to what the future holds for our ongoing relationships with them."

In 2013, Alex & Sierra won season three of "The X Factor." During the live shows, the duo reached No. 1 on the iTunes singles chart twice, with six singles also breaking into the iTunes Top 20.

Emblem3 and Fifth Harmony became international stars after season two of "The X Factor." Emblem3's first album, "Nothing To Lose," debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Fifth Harmony's EP, "Better Together," debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard chart and reached Top 10 on iTunes in 41 countries, giving them the biggest debut album from any U.S. television competition series in 2012.

Fifth Harmony were listed on MTV's "Artist to Watch" for 2014, and also were the voices of Barbie's new anthem, "Anything Is Possible." They are on tour this spring with Demi Lovato, Little Mix and Cher Lloyd. 

Emblem3's debut album, "Nothing To Lose," reached No. 1 on iTunes in 14 countries.

"The X Factor" won three Teen Choice 2012 Awards for Reality Competition Show, Breakout Show and Male Personality (Cowell). In 2013, "The X Factor" won a People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Competition Show, and Lovato won for Favorite Celebrity Judge. The show also took home seven Teen Choice 2013 Awards, including Reality Competition Show, Male Personality (Cowell) and Breakout Group (Emblem3) - to name a few.

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