![Whitney Houston -- Prescription Drugs Found ... Possible Drowning [Exclusive Photo Update]](http://ll-media.tmz.com/2012/02/12/0211-hero-whitney2-248x127.jpg)
Simon Cowell's blockbuster announcement yesterday -- that he was leaving "American Idol" for "The X Factor" -- almost didn't happen.
We've learned Cowell and Fox had been negotiating the terms of the move for weeks. We're told the deal was basically done and the plan was for Cowell to make the announcement at the Television Critics Association.
But there was an unexpected snag yesterday morning. As Simon drove to the TCA in Pasadena, final negotiations hit a wall. Lawyers for both sides had a serious disagreement over one of the terms. As Simon was pulling up, he was on the phone and on the verge of aborting the announcement and driving away -- the ultimate game of brinkmanship.
Someone blinked ... because lawyers came to terms and Simon rolled out of his Rolls and into TV history.
UPDATE: Simon was just on Ryan Seacrest's morning show and confirmed they "were driving down to do the press conference and we didn't have an agreement."
See More
Reader Comments
(Page 1 of 4) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments
"52. I hope he doesn't bring over that dusty convicted racist Cheryl Cole. TMZ you should do a story about the fact that Cheryl Cole was convicted if racially abusing and physically assaulting a poor toilet attendant. Posted at 3:00PM on Jan 12th 2010 by Geena Wyle"
Tut Tut Tut Genna Wyle you are both ill informed and ill mannered.I diagnose a severe case of jealousy and that as we
all know is a terrible illness.I fear there is no hope of you overcoming this.However, I do wish that you get well soon!
Simon Cowell, your x factor show is going to tank, and you will be a has-been.
Sweet! Simon should be da new James Bond. He's pretty good at kicking people in dare cojones.
#21: a has been what? the man is a ga-zillionare. he won't miss a thing.
Why does Simon Cowell wear the same outfit including shoes day in and day out? He looks like an overgrown boy. There is something strange about his behavior in that regard.
Between him leaving and Ellen being on the show, hopefully that will put the final nail in the coffin of this show.
I bet that "term" of disagreement was the inclusion of Paula Abdul as a host in the show. Simon wants her - the network doesn't.
This guy is is one gigantic butt licker and I can't stand him. Go back from whence you came moron.
Down to the wire? That's a crock. Every move Simon the scam man makes is orchestrated to perfection. He will never make a move that will cost him in $$$ or anything else. Not yet anyway. He's still Midas but his day is coming when he'll be sweeping up after horses in a parade. Who does he think he is...Ryan Seacrest?
LUNCH BOX
The lunch box, also referred to as a lunch pail or lunch kit, is a container meant to store a meal for consumption, usually at work or school. The essential idea of a food container has been around for a very long time, but it wasn't until people began using tobacco tins to haul meals in the early 20th century, followed by the use of lithographed images on metal, that the containers became a staple of youth, and in turn, a marketable product in the eyes of manufacturers.
The lunch box has historically most often been used by schoolchildren to take packed lunches, or a snack, from home to school. The most common modern form is a small case with a clasp and handle, often printed with a colorful image that can either be generic or based on children's television shows or films. Use of lithographed metal to produce lunch boxes in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s gave way in the 1990s to use of injection-molded plastic.
Today, lunch boxes are generally made of vinyl, with foam insulation, and an aluminum/vinyl interior. As a result, theyâre usually much better at retaining their temperature but are less rigid/protective.
Mixed emotions the show has had a great run however the network would like to keep it going as long as it can it is a money machine.
It does give some great exsposure to some good talents who would proboly would not get notice if it wasent for the show!
