Fox’s ‘The X Factor’ Is Over

“X Factor” head judge and creator-executive producer Simon Cowell, who served as a judge on Fox’s “American Idol” for nine seasons, will instead return to the U.K. version of “X Factor” later this year.

“I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on ‘The X Factor’ and ‘American Idol,’ “ Cowell said in a statement. “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!”

The acerbic judge initially predicted that “X Factor” would be a major hit before its 2011 debut, but the show never garnered stellar ratings, which continued to dip in last year’s third season. “X Factor” also failed to produce a winner as successful as past “Idol” champions.

The show’s hosts and judging panel was revamped each season with Paula Abdul, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and Kelly Rowland among those joining Cowell on the panel.