Anyone who’s been watching the last couple seasons of the FOX juggernaut “American Idol” knows that Simon Cowell, the “mean” judge, has pretty much mentally checked out of the show. He basically alternates between looking bored out of his mind and not giving a crap. It’s pretty clear that he is there to collect his millions, harass Paula, flirt with Ryan Seacrest, and that’s all. Recently, Simon indicated that he is considering leaving the show in order to free up his schedule for other projects. But where would that leave “Idol?”

However, he admits that even he cannot keep up his hectic workload for too much longer. “I don’t want to come over as whiney because I am very grateful that I have got these jobs,” he says.

“But there is a point where I am not sure we can keep this schedule up. It takes longer and longer to make these shows because you have to put more into them, and I am not sure we can sustain me doing three shows a year, with the record label and the TV production company.

“Most people do one show a year and I do three and they involve a lot of travelling. One may have to go. I don’t know which one. That is the problem, I like all of them. I can’t imagine not doing Britain’s Got Talent and I can’t imagine not doing X Factor. But I guess America is more likely to go because I have got one year under contract. Maybe that will be the end.”

As one door closes, another one opens… he reveals there could be something different in the TV pipeline next year.

“Yes, I have got one idea to launch a big new show next year,” he says. “But can I tell you what it is? Absolutely not.”

Cowell says he has a special affection for Britain’s Got Talent – more than X Factor – especially in the audition stages.

He smiles: “There is something about this show – it was very difficult to get anyone enthusiastic about Britain’s Got Talent. I thought it was going to be easy. The fact that at first it was a struggle and then it was a hit makes it something very special.

“And I have to say that in terms of the auditions, I much prefer doing Britain’s Got Talent than X Factor and Idol because they genuinely make me laugh. I have no idea what is coming next. It is genius TV. It is beautifully made and brutally observed.”

[From The Mirror]

A lot of people really like Simon’s critiques on “Idol,” and I used to be one of them. But now he is boring and just as trite and cliche as all the other judges. Plus, he looks like he could care less who wins or loses at this point. Maybe it is time for him to go, so they can replace him with someone who actually wants to be there. He’s certainly made his money from the show, so why stick around if he’d rather not participate?

Simon Cowell is shown at the Elton John Oscar Party in February 2009. Photo credits: Fame.