Music producer Simon Cowell is planning a return to the British version of the show

Feb 8, 2014 06:51 GMT  ·  By

The American version of the British-imported talent show, masterminded by Simon Cowell, managed only a three-year run. The broadcasting network, Fox, has just announced that it is pulling the plug on a fourth season, as Cowell decided to step down as judge and return to the British version of the talents competition.

In a statement quoted by the LA Times, Cowell spoke on the matter, saying, “I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on ‘The X Factor’ and ‘American Idol.’ 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 news emerged on early Friday morning and served as confirmation to the rumors that have been floating around, that the American X Factor was close to being canceled due to drops in audience. But then again, since it was introduced in 2011, the show never really delivered on Cowell's promises of out-of-this-world entertainment.

Previous winners of X Factor didn't leave a mark on the musical industry, as opposed to those from American Idol, which was also a determining cause for the lower audiences. Also, the prize for first place was subsequently dropped from $5 million (€3.6 million) to a mere $1 million (€735,651).

Among the judges of the American show were heavy industry names such as Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio, and Demi Lovato. But not even their presence could save the show in the end.

Fox made its own statement, noting, “Unfortunately, there is no ‘X Factor’ U.S.A. without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life. We wish him the very best, and it’s our sincere hope that we work together again soon.”