Simon

[EvangelinePoe]

I'm hearing noise again about this being Simon's last season.  Word is he is going to bring one of the British shows like X Factor stateside and reside over it.

Sue 

[Doctor Zero]

According to Simon himself this will be his last year.  Perhaps he realizes with Paula gone it's time to move on as well.  I do think Simon wants to establish himself as more of the mover and shaker of a new show rather than be one of the gang (albeit, the leader of the group) on American Idol.

[Headstone Gravely]

X Factor is going to happen.  There is talk Simon wants to hire Adbul  to be a judge on the show with him.

[EvangelinePoe]

He admitted in the interview w/Oprah that he felt Paula's leaving did hurt the show.  He also said he'd not been bringing his A game to the show and had become quite bored and felt it showed.

Sue 

[Quest]

The season finale was good, but they are going to have a difficult time replacing Simon on the show.  Jamies Foxx still appears to be the leading contender to replace him.

[EvangelinePoe]

I read just the other day that Ellen will not be returning for the new season.

Sue 

[Quest]

Neither will Kara.  Looks like Jennifer Lopez is being added, with Steven Tyler as a possibility, too.

[Quest]

Lopez is out...she wanted too much money.  Now they're talking about either Mariah Carey or Shania Tawain.  Steven Tyler still hasn't gotten a contract, either.