There’s some buzz that Simon Cowell is planning to leave American Idol once he gets an American version of X Factor up and running. Can AI survive without Simon?

Sure it can! But it might not be nearly as much fun.

While Simon Cowell and Fox aren’t commenting on the rumors, Cowell’s brother confirmed during his podcast, The Cowell Factor, that Simon will be leaving Idol.

His brother commented: “A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected: Simon will leave Idol at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of X Factor to U.S. TV in 2011.”

Simon’s contract with American Idol expires at the end of 2010; the American X Factor is expected to debut in 2011.

So… do you think Cowell is just playing games to squeeze more money out of Fox/American Idol? Or will he really leave? If he does, will you still watch AI?