Cowell 'quitting American Idol'

The next series of 'American Idol' will be judge Simon Cowell’s last, his brother said.

Tony Cowell said in his weekly podcast, 'The Cowell Factor', that a statement was being prepared which would certify that the acerbic British judge was leaving the popular Fox singing competition at the end of 2010.

Simon Cowell will concentrate on bringing his popular UK talent show 'The X Factor' to the US next year, his brother said on the Saturday podcast, which has since been removed.

“Meanwhile, Simon prepares for a new season of Idol, or should I say, his last season of Idol,” Cowell’s older brother 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.”

Cowell, 50, has been with 'American Idol' since the series debuted in 2002. His contract ends after the forthcoming ninth season, which begins January 12.

The judging panel was shaken up last year with the arrival of songwriter Kara DioGuardi and departure of pop star Paula Abdul, who is being replaced next season by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

A Fox spokeswoman had no comment about the report. Messages left for Cowell’s spokesman were not immediately returned.