American Idol will be wrapping up one of the most extraordinary runs in TV history with a star-studded finale this coming Thursday, but one familiar face may not be returning: original judge Simon Cowell, who many credit with the show’s phenomenal success in its early seasons.
While fans are hoping to see Cowell reunite with original judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, Cowell says that may not be happening.
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“There is a date clash,”; said Cowell during an appearance Friday to promote the upcoming new season of America’s Got Talent, in which he’ll be joining the show to replace exiting judge Howard Stern. “I don’t know yet.”;
Cowell, who left Idol in 2010 after its ninth season, didn’t elaborate on what that scheduling conflict might be.
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Previously, Abdul told Entertainment Weekly that a plan was in place to reunite the “original three”; for the upcoming series finale. “I know they’re trying to figure out what the three of us will do,”; she said. “I’m sure we’ll do something that will be trouble-making.”;
