Simon Cowell Skipping Judging Duties on UK’s ‘X Factor’ To Focus on US Version

Simon Cowell will leave his judging chair on the next season of the UK's 'X Factor' in order to commit more time to the upcoming US edition of the show set to premiere on FOX in the fall.

Cowell created the UK version of 'X Factor,' which premiered in 2004. He has been a judge on the program for seven seasons. While Cowell will not return as a judge for the upcoming eighth season, he will still have a substantial role on the show. "We are talking about ways in which he can have an on-screen presence later in the series, and he will continue to be an enormous presence backstage,' says a representative of the program's network, ITV.

Talent auditions for the US edition of 'X Factor' are currently taking place across the nation. In addition to Cowell, the only other US 'X Factor' judge who has been confirmed is record executive L.A. Reid. Cowell has also confirmed that Mariah Carey will have some sort of involvement on the show.

Cowell also recently left his judging position on 'American Idol' to devote time to the US version of 'X Factor.'