Music, Simon Cowell | featured news

The powerful 19-year-old vocalist from Sunrise, Fla., won the Fox talent competition Thursday over soulful 30-year-old singer Josh Krajcik of Wooster, Ohio. Amaro, who was mentored by judge Simon Cowell and was at one point eliminated from the contest, was awarded the grand prize: a $5 million recording contract and a starring role in a Pepsi commercial. "Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God," Amaro repeated after host Steve Jones announced her as the winner.

Simon Cowell isn't the only person leaving “American Idol” this season. Bandleader Rickey Minor will replace Jay Leno’s bandleader Kevin Eubanks on “Tonight Show” beginning June 7.

Even before Ellen DeGeneres took her seat on "American Idol," the roar began. Cries of "What does she know about music" and "Bring back Paula Abdul" lit up blogs and message boards. Then the next shoe dropped -- anchor judge Simon Cowell announced that the ninth season would be his last.

Simon Cowell believes a woman is likely to win his final season on "American Idol." The acerbic British judge told a teleconference Thursday he thinks one of the 12 women among the ninth season's 24 semifinalists has a good shot to win the Fox singing contest....

The end of an era
Yes, we've heard this a million times. It seems as though every single year, Simon Cowell threatens to leave American Idol. But this time his brother is saying it. Do you think it's really true?

Simon Cowell, despite hinting in the spring that he might be leaving “American Idol,” will be a judge on hit reality show for at least three more seasons and reportedly will earn $45 million under the new pact.

Simon Cowell and the other judges on 'American Idol' will not have Paula Abdul to kick around anymore.

A 47-year-old British charity worker who says she has never been kissed has become a YouTube sensation after singing in front of Simon Cowell.