Simon Cowell Optimistic About X Factor Season 4, But May Not Return as a Judge

Despite this season's low ratings, Simon Cowell is confident that The X Factor will be back for a fourth season. But whether he will return as a judge next year is a whole different story.

"The show will be back next season," Cowell told reporters on a conference call Monday, according to Deadline. "As to my role on it, I might have a different kind of role."

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Cowell, who is an executive producer on the show as well as its only original remaining judge, said he is in "the middle of a presentation of what we think the show should look like and what the fans would like. And yes, my role could change."

Part of the reason behind Cowell's possible departure from the judges table is that he said he feels that the show "has got to be more different next year than it was this year," he said. He later said he did not want to bring back this season's judging panel, which has undergone shakeups every season, according to the site.

Should The X Factor just die already?

Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger (who, in turn, replaced Cheryl Cole) left after Season 1. L.A. Reid and Britney Spears followed suit after Season 2, and they have since been replaced by Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio. In addition to adding fresh faces, Cowell confirmed reports that The X Factor may only air one night a week next year as opposed to two nights a week, similar to the move Dancing with the Stars made this fall. "Possibly, yeah — I won't say which night," he said.

However, the biggest mission for next season is making sure The X Factor stands out from the many other singing competitions out there. "They all have a choice now what they can audition for — us, America's Got Talent, Idol, The Voice — we somehow have to convince them 'The X Factor is the best one for you,'" Cowell said.

The X Factor two-night finale airs Wednesday and Thursday at 8/7c on Fox. Who do you think should be a judge? Would you miss Simon?