The X Factor USA canned after Simon Cowell UK return

US broadcaster FOX has confirmed that it has cancelled the American version of The X Factor after Simon Cowell announced that he is returning to the UK.

The media mogul left Blighty in 2010 to launch the talent contest on the other side of the Atlantic.

Since then, three seasons of XFUSA have aired – but ratings have slid from a high of 12.59million viewers in 2011 to a low of just 3.25million in 2013.

Yesterday, UK Entertainment site broke news that Louis would be returning before ITV revealed the scoop.

Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell are set to be reunited on the UK X factor panel for the first time since 2010 this series.

— MarkMeets (@MarkMeets) February 7, 2014

Now, FOX has decided that they won’t continue it without Cowell following his decision to make a comeback on the UK version.

In a statement, the 54-year-old said: “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!).

“For a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of The X Factor in 2014.

“I want to thank FOX for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows. America, I’ll see you soon.”

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Kevin Reilly, chairman of the Fox Broadcasting Company added: “Simon is more than one of the most prolific TV personalities of our time – he’s part of our family.

“A consummate showman and partner, there’s no one more passionate or creative than Simon, and we feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a wonderful, collaborative relationship with him over the past 12 years.

“Unfortunately, there is no X Factor USA 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.”

Ahead of the first season of X Factor USA – which has featured the likes of Kelly Rowland, Demi Lovato and Britney Spears as judges – Cowell famously boasted that he expected it to get 20million viewers.

However, it turned out to be a rare flop in the global X Factor family, with production company FremantleMedia claiming the franchise has over half a billion fans worldwide.

Tate Stevens has been its most successful winner, with his debut album reaching a modest #18 in the Billboard 200 chart. Its first champion Melanie Amaro has yet to release an album – despite her record contract being worth a whopping $5million – while last year’s winners Alex & Sierra are currently in the recording studio.

Cowell is the first judge to be confirmed for the eleventh series of The X Factor UK, which begins production in the spring.

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