'The X Factor' US Edition Canceled By Fox After 3 Seasons; Simon Cowell Will Return To The UK Version

The U.S. edition of “The X Factor,” led by Simon Cowell, will end after the conclusion of its third season, Fox Broadcasting Company and the show’s creators announced Friday.

According to reports, “X Factor” head judge, creator and executive producer Cowell will return to the U.K. version of the program later this year. Cowell also served as a judge on Fox’s “American Idol” for nine seasons.

Cowell, Fox Entertainment Chairman Kevin Reilly and Trish Kinane, FremantleMedia North America president of entertainment, said the decision was taken after Cowell decided to return to the U.K. series.

Reilly said in a statement, “There is no ‘X Factor USA’ without Simon Cowell.”

"To all of us at Fox, Simon is more than one of the most prolific TV personalities of our time -- he's part of our family. A consummate showman and partner, there's no one more passionate or creative than Simon, and we feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a wonderful, collaborative relationship with him over the past 12 years,” Reilly said.

He added: “We understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life. We wish him the very best, and it's our sincere hope that we work together again soon.”

Cowell said in a statement: “I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on 'The X Factor' and 'American Idol.'”

He added: “And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public (most of the time!). Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of 'The X Factor' in 2014. So for now, I’m back to the U.K. and I want to thank Fox for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows. America, I’ll see you soon!”

Kinane chimed in: "The U.S. version of 'The X Factor' has had a great run dominating the social media charts and discovering internationally successful artists, but Simon's return to the U.K. 'X Factor' has been long anticipated." She added: "We have long-running partnerships both with Fox and Syco Entertainment and very much look forward to what the future holds for our ongoing relationships with them."