BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Simon Cowell, who played the role of mean judge in "American Idol" show, confirmed he is leaving the show this summer, according to media reports.

    Cowell told TV reporters Monday in Los Angeles he would be launching a U.S. version of his own British singing competition show, "The X Factor", on News Corp's Fox in the fall of 2011.

    "We reached an agreement formally...this morning. What we have agreed is that 'The X Factor' will launch in America in 2011 with me judging the show and executive producing. Because of that, this will be my last season on 'American Idol' this year," Cowell told reporters at a Fox presentation.

    "I am confident it ('Idol') will continue to be the No. 1 show," Cowell said.

British music mogul Simon Cowell smiles during the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium in London July 1, 2007.

    A replacement for Cowell is still a question, but Fox said it expected to continue broadcasting the singing contest for many years to come.

    "American Idol," whose 9th season opens on Tuesday, has been the most-watched TV show in the United States for six years.