Simon Cowell is leaving "American Idol"; Paula Abdul and Simon for X Factor

It was announced last year that "Mr. Nasty" Simon Cowell is leaving "American Idol" after season nine and that news is now officially confirmed!! Simon is eying to pursue the American version of X Factor and he reportedly tapping the services of former AI judge Paula Abdul to join him. Paula allegedly inked $4.5 million contract.

National Enquirer’s Mike Walker: “Simon flew Paula to London and wined and dined her relentlessly over the course of several days, even introducing her to everyone who works on X Factor. But what really clinched the deal was Simon’s pledge that she wouldn’t have to deal with all the nonsense and infighting that she hated on Idol.”

Simon will be the judge and executive producer on FOX's upcoming American version of "The X Factor" and it will premiere in fall 2011.

Piers Morgan and Diddy, odds favorite to replace Simon Cowell

As the news of Simon Cowell leaving the America Idol show after season nine and reportedly eying to pursue the American version of X Factor to U.S. TV in 2011, online gambling site Bookmaker.com are now conducting a wager for the person that who can replace "Mr. Nasty" judge.

Piers Morgan is the favorite at odds of 2-1 (bet $1, win $2), followed by Sean "Diddy" Combs at 3-1, Quincy Jones at 3½-1, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds at 4-1, Simon Fuller at 6-1, Rob Stevenson at 6-1 and Russell Simmons at 6½-1.

[Photo courtesy by NBC - Getty images]

Simon Cowell is Forbes top earning man in primetime

Not all people who are being straightforward and harsh can received a big payday. American Idol judge Simon Cowell who is considered as the meanest man in prime-time television is the top earning man in US television.

Forbes rated Cowell at the top of his league with the earning of $75 million last year from judging, producing and music publishing.

Checkout Forbes TOP TEN... (earnings from June 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009)

1. Simon Cowell - $75 million
2. Donald Trump - $50 million
3. Ryan Seacrest - $38 million
4. Charlie Sheen - $21 million
5. Steve Carell - $21 million
6. Howie Mandel - $15 million
7. Kiefer Sutherland - $13 million
8. Jeff Foxworthy - $11 million
9. Hugh Laurie - $10 million
10. David Caruso - $9 million

Simon Cowell missing Paula Abdul: different without her

Simon Cowell is feeling the absence of his seat mate Paula Abdul in American Idol panel as he shared that it's different without her.

Cowell described it to "Extra's" Terri Seymour, "It's like comparing a carrot to a banana... They are different."

Meanwhile, Paula Abdul will host this year's "Vh1 Divas" on Sept 17th.

Simon Cowell: "I want Paula on the show."

If manager David Sonenberg felt that his client Paula Abdul likely won't be coming back on American Idol next season, it seems Paula's fellow judge Simon Cowell is not worried and he just gave a simple but strong hint to the AI producers.

Simon tells Extra, "She'll be fine. She'll be on the show. I don't get a lot of say. I've just made it clear that I want Paula on the show."

Simple encouragement but sweet....

Simon Cowell's former girlfriend Terri Seymour was attacked by a woman at American Idol finale

Simon Cowell's former girlfriend Terri Seymour was attacked by a crazy woman at the 2009 American Idol finale in Hollywood on Tuesday night.

According to TMZ, Terri was approached by a woman who asked her if she was Simon's girlfriend. Suddenly, the woman attacked her and attempted to choke her.

The name of the suspect is Janice Thibodeaux, 33, weighing in at 200 lbs (twice Terri's size).

Thibodeaux was booked on felony battery and being held on $52,700 bail.

The AI judge Simon Cowell had a six years relationship with Terri Seymour but their love become pitchy so they decided to split up late last year.

Simon Cowell net worth increrase by 7%; £120 million

It seems Simon Cowell is only one of the few who is not experience the bad economy these days.

With his mischievous but wake-up call judging job in American Idol, X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, his wealth increases by seven per cent.

According to timeonline, Cowell’s fortune is now up with £120 million, from £112 million last year, ranking him equal 15th in the list of wealthiest music millionaires.

Despite holding the third place, Sir Paul McCartney loss an estimated £60 million, bringing his wealth to £440 million.

Britney Spears at Simon Cowell’s X Factor

Britney Spears does her copy-paste performance of her hit single "Womanizer" in Simon Cowell’s "X Factor". This is her third comeback performance after showing her stuff at the Bambi Awards event in Offenburg, Germany and in Star Academy.

Simon Cowell and and girlfriend Terri Seymour's relationship ended

Simon Cowell and girlfriend Terri Seymour's six years relationship becomes pitchy and they decided to split up.

According to Simon's rep.Max Clifford via PEOPLE, "Terri phoned Simon and finished it in September, about six weeks ago. They are going to remain close friends. Simon thinks the world of Terri and that isn't going to change. He also understands her reason for ending it."

Reportedly, priorities and starting a family are some of the reasons of their split.

Terri is now rumored dating 35-year-old Hollywood actor Stephen Dorff,