Making headlines last week was Simon Cowell’s departure from “American Idol” for newer pasture in the form of the new reality competition show, “The X Factor.”

Buzz is circulating that Cowell is currently in discussions with former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul and his current “X Factor” UK partner, Cheryl Cole, for the show, which launches on Fox in fall 2011.

“The X Factor will launch in 2011,” he told reporters at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour. “Because of that, this will be my last season on American Idol. I was offered a lot of money to stay on. But that wasn’t the reason behind it. I wanted to do something different. I wanted a new challenge.”

Singing the lovable and recognizable Abdul would be a smart move and may even the the final dagger to “American Idol’s” dwindling interest.

While “X Factor” is similar to “Idols,” as it is also a singing competition, it differs because the judges play a more important role in mentoring the group of up and coming singers. They essentially become coaches and part of the competition.

Tony Mottola is also another name that Cowell has dropped as a ‘good choice’ for the “X Factor” judging panel.

Source: TV Shark