After his success with British boy bands, Simon Cowell has decided to form a similar group in the states.

“Simon is really excited to form a group of guys from America. He’s done such a fine job with British boys, so he’s ready to try his hand in America. He’s looking for the right people to team up with and create their sound,” a source told Just Jared.

Cowell’s projects, One Direction, which was formed through his British “The X Factor”, and Il Divo, an opera quartet, are both signed to his Syco label.

After the new show, “X Factor”, underperformed in its first season, Cowell had to release the hosts Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger.

Cowell blames himself, saying that his expectations were unreasonable, and “It’s only because I opened my big mouth and said we were going to get 20 million [viewers]. If I hadn’t said that, everybody would be saying the show was a huge success.”

Cowell told Extra that he would have liked to keep Abdul on the show, but that she is understanding.

The only judge who remains from the original trio is L.A. Reid, because, in the words of Cowell, “There’s not a record executive out there who is as good as him for the job.”

Cowell mentioned Katy Perry, Madonna and Mariah Carey as potential options for new judges, but everything remains in the consideration stage.

Simon Cowell revealed more about “The X Facotr” judge members with a recent interview with Deadline.com. It seems like that former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul and singer Cheryl Cole will join on the judge panel with Cowell and Antonio “L.A.” Reid.

Cowell said, “I’ve always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right. I’ve never found anyone better than her. I think there’s a good chance it will be her.”

He commented about Cole too, “This girl is special. She’s just got a great ability to communicate. She’s a great judge. She’s smart. If people take to her like the British public did, I think she’s going to do really well in America.”

According to USA TODAY, Simon Cowell mentioned that Fergie is one of several names being bandied about for a spot on the judges’ panel for the US version of “X Factor,” which is going to debut this fall on Fox. For now, former Def Jam executive L.A. Reid is confirmed as a judge on the show.

According to the source, Cowell said, “We are still having nightly arguments with everyone, trying to get everyone to agree. If you asked everyone involved on this show who they would like on the panel, you would have 25 different opinions. It does show publicly our complete and utter indecisiveness.”

Also, he talked about the possibility for Fergie to be joining, “Her name was put forward. But like with a lot of other people we have spoken to, we have to check out everyone’s availability. There is lot of time you have to put into this show. It is not a 2 or 3 day a week job.”

The Sun reports, the Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole will be joining Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on the US “X Factor.”

According to the source, ‘L.A.’Reid confirmed that Cole is joining the judge crew and said, “We’re gonna compete against American Idol just fine. I’m very confident. But along with Simon Cowell and Cheryl, I don’t know who the other judge is.”

Several potential celebrities for the fourth judging spot have been rumored, including Nicole Scherzinger, Nicki Minaj, Paula Abdul, and Mariah Carey. At the same time, Snoop Dogg commented that he turned down offers to join the show as a judge. He told Digital Spy, “They asked me to do that, but I don’t think that’s for me. I wouldn’t mind going on the show as a mentor, but not as far as a judge.”

Simon Cowell may be trying to bring Nicki Minaj to the judging crew of his musical talent show “X-Factor.” The Young Money diva might bring her fresh perspective into the judge panel, which might attract a lot of viewers as well.

L.A Reid, former chairman of Def Jam Records, was confirmed as a judge last week.

Also, Mariah Carey might join them as well, mirror.co.uk reported.

The singer is about to leave Universal Music Group and rejoin Sony Music Entertainment, who have close relationships with X Factor. That could make sense because LA Reid is the singer’s former boss and mentor, too.

LA Reid, Nicki Minaj, and Mariah Carey…that would be beyond interesting.

God Help Us

In news not involving the very public breakdown of Charlie Sheen, “American Idol” is celebrating its 10th anniversary season with, you guessed it, a CD! On March 15, RCA is releasing The Hits Vol. 1, an “American Idol” anniversary album. Just when you thought that you could avoid Idol and its troupe of desperate musicians it just got a little more difficult. Winners from each of the nine seasons, including the infamous Kelly Clarkson, and even some fan favorites circa Adam Lambert of MTV make-out fame, makes appearances on the compilation. In a bid to help audiences relive the seasons with each of its winners, the compilation is listed in chronological order with the few stragglers hanging out at the bottom of the twelve-song list.

Not to knock Idol’s concept too hard — there is obvious talent being showcased. With the 10th season’s latest musical chair medley of judges, Jennifer Lopez and that Scary Guy from Aerosmith are joining the show and there will be even more pop music antics. This is the first time in Idol history that, due to the frightening fame of coiffed teenager Justin Bieber, 15-year-olds can now audition. So what does this mean for the future of American Idol? Probably a lot more of the same: doe-eyed teenage beauties singing their hearts out sans the withering glare of Simon Cowell. Best of luck to them.

And now for the track list!

1. Kelly Clarkson, Since U Been Gone
2. Ruben Studdard, Superstar
3. Clay Aiken, Invisible
4. Fantasia, When I See U
5. Carrie Underwood, Before He Cheats
6. Taylor Hicks, Takin’ It to the Streets
7. Daughtry, Home
8. Jordin Sparks (featuring Chris Brown), No Air
9. David Cook, Light On
10. Kris Allen – Live Like We’re Dying
11. Adam Lambert, Whataya Want From Me
12. Lee DeWyze, Sweet Serendipity

Not a lot of news today — the big deal tonight is that “White Collar” returns on USA at 10 tonight. A&E has “Paranormal Cops” starting up at 10:30, and Bravo has “The Millionaire Matchmaker” premiering at 10 also.

We also have some “Idol” news today. Simon Cowell is in talks with former and current co-workers about jumping into the American version of “X Factor.” And yes, he is talking to Paul Abdul. The new show will premiere on FOX in Fall 2011, and Cowell won’t be returning to “Idol” after this season.

Syfy is pulling out all the stops to plug “Caprica,” a new original drama. The 2-hour pilot has already been seen by 1.5 million viewers, and it hasn’t even aired yet. SyFy is working with Hulu, Apple, and Amazon and is offering DVDs and the streaming pilot on SyFy.com and various free on demand services. Syfy also placed Spanish advertisements on Telemundo to get Latinos interested. “Caprica” debuts on Syfy this Friday at 9 p.m.

Tonight is the premiere of “American Idol” at 8 p.m. on FOX. It will be the last season featuring Simon Cowell, the stern-judging Brit who brought this level of reality/talent television to America.

A lot of FOX news today — “Glee” gets picked up for a second season. At the same time, the network is launching a nationwide search to find talented cast members for the second season. Visit fox.com/glee for updates.

“Bones” hits the 100 mark on April 8, and “Family Guy” would be somewhere around 300 if it wasn’t canceled. The cartoon hits its 150th episode on May 2. “America’s Most Wanted” hits 1,000 episodes with a special 22nd anniversary episode March 6.

FOX is also working up a buddy cop action/comedy that’s so far called “Code 58,” set to preview on May 12 and 19 and premiere on June 7. Code 58 was created by Matt Nix, who also has “Burn Notice” under his belt, so he knows what he’s doing.

“Breaking Bad” premieres with a third season on March 21 at 10 p.n. Before that, the cable network will air a six-episode marathon March 19.

Finally, yes, it’s official, Sarah Palin signed a multi-year deal with FOX News. She won’t get her own show but rather will support other shows on the network.

There are a few hot bits of news to kick off this week.

First of all, Fox announced Monday that Simon Cowell will be leaving “American Idol.” Suprisingly, it’s not because he was sick to death of Ryan Seacrest or appalled by talentless contestants. He’ll be bringing his popular U.K. talent show, “The X Factor,” to American audiences on Fox.

“I want to leave ‘Idol’ this year bigger and better than it was in the past,” Cowell said on Monday.

Will America keep watching? Of course. Will anyone ever criticize a contestant again? Maybe, but it won’t be very funny.

In the sports world, it looks like female Yankees fans everywhere are going to have to give up hope. Veteran Yankees shortstop and team heart-throb Derek Jeter is engaged. According to the New York Post, he and his lovely girlfriend Minka Kelly are getting married Nov. 5 on Long Island.

Well, maybe. A reporter, acting on a tip, pretended she was getting married so she could look at the calendar for the Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y. She spotted the words "JETER wedding" on the calendar. The reporter mentioned it to the sales manager, Rick Bellando, but he insisted celebrities aren’t listed by their real names.

The final, most troubling tidbit. Former vice presidential candidate, Alaska governor and, in case you didn’t know, former sportscaster Sarah Palin will be joining Fox News as a political commentator. She’ll also be the occassional host of “Real American Stories,” a new series Fox said will tell inspirational true stories about Americans who overcoming adversity.

Honestly, the latter seems more like Palin’s cup of tea. Political commentary? How can anyone take her seriously when she completely destroyed the McCain campaign, resigned as governor and has repeatedly and publically embarrassed herself?

Whether or not we’re excited — I’m sure many people actually are — Sarah certainly seems pumped.

“I am thrilled to be joining the great talent and management team at Fox News,” Palin said in a statement posted on Fox’s Web site. “It’s wonderful to be part of a place that so values fair and balanced news.”

Hilarious? You betcha.

British songstress Leona Lewis has every reason to be “Happy.” The latest single from the winner of Britain’s X Factor is a powerful follow-up to her 2008 triple Grammy nominated album. Like her debut single “Bleeding Love,” “Happy” is available September 15 on iTunes. It’s a ballad that showcases Lewis’ strong set of pipes.

Co-written by Lewis, Ryan Tedder of One Republic and Evan Bogart, “Happy” is sure to be another hit for Lewis. A tune about going after happiness no matter the cost, Lewis belts out the notes with ease. It’s the type of song that will sound brilliant live, so hopefully it’s on the set-list when Lewis performs at Divas Live! on VH1.

“Echo” the sophomore album from Lewis, co-produced by Simon Cowell and Clive Davis, is available November 17.

It’s no secret Ryan Seacrest was recently offered $45 million in a three-year contract to continue hosting “American Idol.” Randy Jackson has signed on until at least 2011 and Simon Cowell is currently in negotiations for a new contract. Even Kara DioGuardi wants to come back, and auditions for the ninth season of the hit show are already underway.

Notorious softy Paula Abdul, however, will more than likely be absent from the judge’s table. The New York Daily News reported today that Paula has yet to be offered a new contract.

“She’s not a happy camper as a result of what’s going on,” said Paula’s manager, David Sonenberg. “I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven’t stepped up and said what they want to do.”

As showbiz often goes, the drama is high school-worthy – ignoring the weird girl until she just goes away. So, not surprisingly, Sonenberg said Paula probably won’t be an “Idol” judge next season.

And in even less of a surprise, Paula is tweeting her feelings: “I’m actually moved 2 tears upon reading the enormous amount of tweets showing me your kindness, love, & undying support. God bless all of you! If it weren’t for you, this specific time and situation would feel a whole lot worse!”

Eloquent as always, Paula. Cue Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day.”

It’s been about three weeks since “American Idol” announced Kris Allen as the season eight winner, and most of us are already yearning for some classic Simon insults. Well, guess what, Bostonians? Season nine auditions begin tomorrow (Sunday, June 14) at Gillette Stadium. Registration continues today, so get down there and sign up! Blast wants your pictures and videos, so bring your camera!

Good luck to all you hopefuls out there; just promise Blast an interview when you’re rich and famous! And, hey, if worse comes to worst, you might just hear those insults from Simon after all.