The X Factor has officially been canceled. Simon Cowell is set to return to the U.K. version of the reality singing competition after Fox decided not to renew its U.S. counterpart for a fourth season, the network announced on Friday.
Simon said “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!),”
The X Factor's cancellation shouldn't come as much of a surprise, given its lackluster ratings throughout its three-season run on Fox, as well as its constant judging shakeups. The season three finale attracted just 6.2 million viewers, which was down over 35 percent from the season two closer. The show is credited with the fame of Fifth Harmony and Emblem 3.
