[Yak Nicholson]

Even “The X Factor” doesn’t have the X factor. Or maybe now it is the ex-factor. (See what I did there?) Late Friday evening, Fox announced that the struggling reality competition series will not return for a fourth season.

“American Idol” remains Fox’s sole singing competition. With the news, Simon Cowell, the ex-Idol judge who brought the UK series to America, released a statement.

“I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on The X Factor and American Idol. 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!”

Is it just me or is Cowell trying to make it sound as if it’s because he chose to return to the UK and not because Fox chose to cancel the show? The statement from Kevin Reilly, Fox pres, seems to sing a tune along those lines. “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. Unfortunately, there is no X FACTOR USA without Simon Cowell, but 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.”

Will you miss the singing competition? Sound off below!

[TheKdd]

My problem with the X-Factor was mainly the gimmick of it all. I mean, the judging panel, they were always trying to bring in gimmicky people, gimmicky fighting and the like. On top of that, there are just TOO MANY SINGING SHOWS already. I stopped watching X-Factor toward the end of the first season. I stopped watching Idol a few seasons ago. The only one I watch now is The Voice, and even then there are times where I get bored and stop.

[19wingz]

I think that is what hurt the show. The gimmicky. That and it always seemed to have a big ego ... in terms of just over producing from the stage to sound to lighting to everything.

I like that this frees up 3 hours on the schedule AND it might have Fox put the new BB/Survivor mix on the schedule.

[TheKdd]

What is the new BB/Survivor mix?

And I wish X factor was a summer show... so it could free up space for a second night of sytycd dammit.

[19wingz]

Ugh, don't get me started on SYTYCD.

Fox is doing some show called Utopia. I briefly read about it and forgot to read more into it. Maybe I'll do a little diddly on it. LOLOL