Simon Cowell remains non-committal as to whether or not he will renew his deal with US TV network Fox to stay with the 'American Idol' franchise after its upcoming ninth season. Cowell's mega-bucks deal with the show is up for renewal after the next series, and rumours that the pop talent show guru plans to launch a US version of 'X-Factor' next year has led to speculation he will leave 'Idol' so to appear on his own new show.

Speaking to USA Today last week, Cowell wouldn't be drawn on his plans for 2011, other than to insist 'American Idol' could survive without him on the panel of judges. He told the paper: "I've had conversations [with Fox about the future]. As you know, there's been speculation for months and months. I'm very grateful [to 'American Idol']. I've had the best experience in my life since I've been on this show. I really like working in America. [But] whether I'm on it or off it, I think the show will flourish without me. I genuinely do".

Of course when Cowell launched 'X-Factor' in the UK it basically killed off the British version of the 'Idol' format, though that was as much to do with ITV politics as the show's Mr Nasty being busy on his other project. 

In related news, Australia's Network 10 has announced it is axing 'Australian Idol'. Well, the official line is that the show is being "rested". The Aussie version of the show has been losing viewers year to year, though Network 10 had originally announced there would be a 2010 season. The broadcaster says it may as yet bring the show back in 2011.