Don’t Expect Simon Cowell To Return To ‘Idol’

Looks like American Idol version 2.0 will have to find someone else to snarl critiques in a black crewneck T-shirt. In a recent interview with Extra, Cowell confirmed he won't be part of the American Idol reboot. When questioned about the forthcoming Idol revival, the America’s Got Talent judge replied, “I was asked to do it, and the answer is no.” Well, there is nary an ounce of grey area to be found in that response.

Granted, I wouldn’t call Cowell’s response the most shocking piece of news ever. For starters, he isn't exactly in need of a judging gig: Since parting ways with Idol in 2010, Cowell has worked on talent competition programs such as The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, and America’s Got Talent. Dude's been keeping busy.

Additionally, he's made it pretty clear that he's done with Idol. In a 2016 interview with Yahoo Music, the singing competition show veteran said the following when asked if he regrets leaving the long-running series:

“Oh God, no. I had my own reasons why I just had to get off that show. You have to move on and do other things with your life. I seriously have no regrets.”

Idol is in Cowell’s rearview mirror, and it sounds like he won’t be whipping a U-turn soon.

Since we're on the subject of American Idol and dudes who have been keeping busy, here's something that actually caught me off guard: Ryan Seacrest has yet to totally shut down the possibility of returning to the series that made From Justin to Kelly possible. According to Extra’s sources, the new host of Live with Kelly and Ryan is “in advanced talks” to return to Idol. When the publication asked Seacrest about the reboot, he replied, "I would love to do it, but I got this job right now." “This job” being, of course, Live with Kelly and Ryan. Yes, Seacrest has always worn a bunch of hats at the same time, but doing a morning chat show, a radio show, and a televised talent show? Are there enough hours in the day? When would Seacrest sleep? Does Seacrest sleep? I hope Seacrest sleeps.

While we wait to find out about Seacrest and Idol, I suppose fans can go ahead and cross Cowell off the judges list. Be sure to give your black crewneck T-shirts an extra hug this weekend. They need it.