"I Just Can't Do That," Simon Cowell Rules Out American Idol Comeback

Reality TV talent show boss Simon Cowell has ruled out ever returning to American Idol, revealing at the press conference for the new season of the X Factor USA that he wouldn't be able to go back to the show.

The media mogul, whose private life has been the centre of attention ever since it was reported that he is going to be a dad, is quoted by E! News as saying:

"I can't imagine either scenario! I can't. I just can't do that. No. Somebody well-known once said to me, ‘Know when to leave the fair.'

"And this [X Factor] is a new generation type of show. It's got to build. And most importantly, if you make great TV shows, people will watch them. I feel reallycomfortable with the girls and I think this is going to be the best show."

The media mogul managed to dodge questions about the allegations that he is to become a dad, and also spoke to press about some of the changes that have been made to the season this year which includes Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio on the panel who replaced Britney Spears and L.A. Reid.

Revealing that the prize money  for the X Factor USA has decreased from $5 million to $1 million, Simon was keen to insist that the winner of the show this year will still land a recording contract with Sony and will still be "a number one priority".

Speaking at the Television Critic's Association event, TV Line reported the media mogul who managed to dodge questions about the rumours of fatherhood, saying:

"[The winner will receive] $1million, still get a recording contract with Sony and become a number one priority."

Speaking about what the production of the show will look like this season, Rob Wade, executive producer commented to ETOnline:

"We love production and don’t want to lost production on the show, but it’s something you’ll see gradually build up over the weeks.

"This way the contestants’ journey to being – and looking like – a superstar will happen slowly over the weeks now."

The new season of the show which sees Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio appear as judges on the show alongside returning judge Demi Lovato and Simon, will no longer feature boot camp or the judges house round. Instead, the judges will discuss the acts until the correct amount is in each category, according to TV Line.