Well, his brother's burblings have come to pass. The American version of the X Factor will commence in 2011. And there are a number of winners and losers in this situation.

Winners:
Simon Cowell - he's only gone and landed a $100million dollar deal for producing and judging on the X Factor stateside.

Fox - The X Factor US will broadcast on Fox as well as American Idol. But chances are they'll scrap the latter now that Simon's jumped ship.

Paula Abdul - There are rumours Simon has asked the woman who was "unceremoniously dumped" as a judge by American Idol a few months back... but it's obviously just all part of his cunning plan. He just wanted to a) generate publicity for the new season of American Idol; b) generate publicity for the X Factor by bringing Paula back. There's another possible reason, but we'll stick it under the losers list. Instead we'll leave you with some words from the capall's mouth: "I adore Paula. Whatever happens, I will be working with her in some capacity. Because I miss her."

Cheryl Cole - Simon has reportedly asked her and her toned down Geordie accent to accompany him as a judge on the US version.

Possibly Dermot O'Leary - Now, there has been no talk of Simon bringing the wee one along for the ride, but O'Leary is certainly gunning for the position: "I'll be honest with you, I'm doing well and I don't want it to end. I want to put my mark more squarely on The X Factor and I'd like to work in the States eventually as well. I'll work hard and I'll push for it, but I have to be philosophical. Some people work over there - Cat is the one from my generation who's the big success story over there - and some just don't." Psssssssst! Heeee's taaaaalking about yoooous, Ant and Dec, AND Myleene.

Losers:
Randy Jackson and Kara Whatsherface - Another plausible reason as to why Paula was dropped from AI was to make Randy and Kara to feel good about themselves for a couple of months before they realise they're possibly jobless. But, prior to that, they get to spend the best part of a year in the company of Ellen Degeneres....

Simon Fuller - He is the owner of the Idol format so would understandably lose out if it gets canned. But screw him, he's beyond minted regardless.

Possibly Ryan Seacrest: Call it karma for producing most of the muck on E! It's not that complicated, Ryan.

So, let's face it, there are far more winners than losers in this scenario, and it doesn't end there. Simon also wants to help aged Americans by giving them a platform: "Susan is probably the best example of why I like a show with an upper age range. Without a show like that, she wouldn't have been able to get a recording contract. With the US version we're hoping to find the American version of Susan Boyle."

Now, the only thing most Americans would have heard there is "Susan Boyle". WOOOOO, SUSAN BOYLE, WOOOOOOOOOO! Yep, we'll overlook the fact that Susan was found via Britain's Got Talent, the American equivalent of which already exists. Also best not mention that the contestants making up The X Factor's Over 25s this year were the grand old ages of 25, 28 and 30.... Yeah, SusAN BOYLE, YEEEAAHHHH! *punches air* WHOOP, WHOOOP WHOOOP! etc.