Simon Cowell announced today at a TCA session with FOX executives that he is in fact leaving American Idol this season. The superstar also announced that FOX has secured rights to a USA adaptation of The X Factor which will be premiering fall 2011.

Are you sad to see Simon go? Or is a change just what the show needed? 

Chidi Uzomah, the alleged stalker of American Idol and E! red carpet host Ryan Seacrest, was arrested at E! studios on Friday, according to TMZ.  In September, Uzomah was arrested for an alleged attack on one of Seacrest's security guards. Uzomah, who was carrying a knife on both occasions, was taken into custody by the LAPD. Since the incident, Seacrest has won a restraining order, which ET Online has a copy of.

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American Idol producers have found their replacement for Paula Abdul and it is Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen, who will be pulling double duty between her daytime talk show and the hit reality show, made the announcement on her show today, according to USA Today.

"It is going to be so much fun," DeGeneres tells her audience. "I don't know how it happened myself, but I have not missed one episode of that show. I've watched every single thing. I love everything about it and I love music."

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Shania Twain is the lastest in a string of high profile guest judges announced to appear on the upcoming season of American Idol. According to People, she will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for auditions in Chicago. Other guest judges include Mary J. Blige and Victoria Beckham. 

RELATED: Simon Cowell Nears Deal Worth Forty Five Million | Paula Abdul is in Talks to Guest on Ugly Betty 

How much is Simon Cowell worth to the American Idol franchise? A lot. Cowell is poised to sign a three year deal worth $45 million a year, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  This comes just days after Paula Abdul "decided not to return to Idol" and has spawned speculation that Idol may have been saving up Paula cash for Simon. Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest recently renewed his contract for $15 million a year. READ MORE

Could Paula Abdul pop up on Ugly Betty? Michael Ausiello is reporting at EW.com the former American Idol judge is in talks to guest on the popular ABC show.  Meanwhile E Online is reporting Fox's So You Think You Can Dance and ABC's Dancing With the Stars are fighting to sign her to their respective shows.

RELATED: Simon Cowell Nears Deal Worth Forty Five Million