Ryan talks to Simon Cowell about leaving American Idol
On today’s radio show, Ryan talked to Simon about leaving American Idol after this season to launch The X Factor in the US. Simon said he was very sad about leaving, and told Ryan that negotiations have been going backwards and forwards for months and even as they were heading to the press conference the deal wasn’t signed and the press conference nearly didn’t go ahead. In the end, Simon signed the paperwork in front of the press.
Simon said Ryan would miss him, then wanted to know if Ryan’s first thought on hearing the news was “how can this benefit me”! Simon joked about the rumour that Ryan is going to replace him, in addition to hosting the show, jumping backwards and forwards between the stage and the desk so he can have another job.
Talking about The X Factor, Ryan mentioned Simon’s success overseas and wanted to know how he knew this was the right time to bring it to the US. Simon talked about deciding not to do both shows and knowing when it’s the right time to go, joking about Ryan knowing all about over-exposure on TV. Ryan asked what Simon would miss about being on the American Idol set. Simon said he’ll miss everything because they had fun, but didn’t sound quite so convinced when Ryan said Simon would miss traveling around to film the audition shows!
Ryan quizzed Simon on Paula’s involvement and judges (I think Ryan would be an awesome judge and mentor!), and Ellen K wanted to know if the show has a host, but Simon wasn’t giving anything away on air, sounding quite gleeful that he could annoy Ryan by withholding information.
