Is American Idol judge Simon Cowell being phased out from the show in preparation of him hosting The X-Factor?  PopEater.com reports “executives have figured out a way to ease [Simon] out of the conversation” in the upcoming season (premiering Jan. 13) by focusing all their attention on the contestants and new host Ellen Degeneres.

“Producers of American Idol have a plan on how to make sure the show survives if Simon does in fact leave at the end of this upcoming season.  The focus is going to be back on the contestants and less on Simon’s harsh criticisms of them,.  They also will be spending more time focusing on Ellen once she gets through her first few weeks live from Hollywood.”

FOX didn’t comment on the story … but would you complain if you saw more of Ellen and the contestants?  And what about Randy Jackson? He’s STILL on the show!! —Corynne Steindler