Simon Cowell Can't "Wait" to Leave American Idol

Entertainment May 25, 2010 AT 9:52AM
Simon Cowell Can't "Wait" to Leave American Idol Credit: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.

Simon Cowell won't be too bummed after he steps away from the American Idol judge's table for the last time after Wednesday night's finale.

"I am feeling a bit sad because we're nearly there, but at the same time... do you remember, sort of, those last three weeks when you were leaving school and you kind of couldn't wait to get out?" Cowell says on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Wednesday.

PHOTOS: Before they were Idol judges

"It's a little bit like that. It's kind of exciting. I'm not being ungrateful," adds Cowell, 50.

Continued Cowell, who will launch an American version of the X-Factor in 2011, "I am feeling a bit sad because I've had a fantastic time and the show changed my life but I just kind of knew it was time to do something different."

VIDEO: Relive this season's WORST Idol auditions

One thing the prickly judge regrets: Quitting on DeGeneres' first day. "I do actually feel guilty about that. I genuinely do because I didn't think about that... two hours before you're starting, I held a press conference to say, 'By the way I'm leaving.' Nice way for you to start...."

Cowel thinks Lee DeWyze win the show.

PHOTOS: Look back on this year's Top 12

"If you'd of asked me five or six weeks ago, 100 percent I would have said Crystal [Bowersox]," Cowell says. "But now I've changed my mind."

"The last two years, I've gotten it completely and utterly wrong, so I don't think anyone is listening to me anymore," he goes on. "But it's just a hunch. Something about him... He's worked in a paint shop. He's talented. He hasn't had any real breaks in life and this has given him a shot and I like that."

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  • May 26, 2010 - 5:36pm mary

    fr cape breton sydney ns

  • May 26, 2010 - 5:34pm mary

    sorry to see you go the idol is not going to be the same .thats for sure thats what people hear are saying .will we be able to see you i guess not . you did a great job fr sydney ns

  • May 26, 2010 - 10:53am Skylar

    I'm can't believe people still watch this show after they put degenerate on it. If I was Simon, I would want to leave too.

  • May 26, 2010 - 8:32am Averie

    I like Lee and think he'd be more marketable also. Crystal is talented but it's like she's young and already an old soul. She must have had a hard life. She says she's depressed too and it shows. I wonder if she's really cut out for this.

  • May 25, 2010 - 5:46pm Lee Deez

    Yes, Lee D will win all the way. He is way better than Crystal. He is more down to earth, better voice and likable. Exactly what Simon had said about him. Many more people will fall in love with him than Crystal. You see when she cry those fake tears when she sang the lord will come. When asked, why so emotional. Oh nothing just cause my dad's here. Oh please

  • May 25, 2010 - 11:50am Eff the show

    and I "can't" wait for the show to disappear, i've tossed that show in the crapper along with bachelorette

  • May 25, 2010 - 11:39am myself

    I hope Simon and the American Idol staff are happy counting all their millions of $$$ they made - some of it at the expense of others. I know first hand. They should check out the background of people who try out for the show. Some people may have emotional problems - go on the show to the amusement of the producers, hosts and the public, only to end up unknowingly humiliating themselves and their family.

  • May 25, 2010 - 10:46am its played

    Idol is so played...who watches this anymore?

  • May 25, 2010 - 10:19am laura

    crystal doesn't need to win. she's already SOOOOOO much better than lee and the other contestants. i LOVE her voice. nobody else sounds like her. she's genuine and i think if she were to make it far, she wouldn't change. she exudes confidence and she's awesome. she's had my vote since day 1.

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