Today is a very big day in the world of FOX, American Idol and especially Simon Cowell.  After rumors began swirling about Cowell bringing The X Factor to America, today at the Television Critics Association press tour Cowell made a surprise appearance to answer all questions.

Not only did Simon Cowell confirm that The X Factor will arrive in 2011, but he also revealed to a room full of TV critics that this is his last year judging American Idol.

But this doesn't mean Idol will end.  Instead, FOX seems solid on keeping both X Factor and American Idol.  There was no word on what this means for the judging panel of Idol.  Will it go back to three, with Randy, Kara and Ellen, or will a fourth judge arrive to replace Simon?

Similarly, no judges or details were revealed about X Factor, though Cowell assured critics they will come soon.  That means we'll learn who the judges will be and when the auditions will be held.  As for possibilities, the only name Cowell absolutely nixed was Victoria Beckham, who will be seen as a guest judge on American Idol when it premieres tomorrow at 8pm on FOX.



(Image courtesy of FOX)