Confirmed: L.A. Reid Leaving X-Factor

Music mogul L.A. Reid is leaving the X-Factor after this season, in order to focus more on his record label.

Reid told US Weekly that he is leaving X-Factor, saying: “I have decided that I will not return to The X Factor next year” because “I have a company to run that I’ve kind of neglected.” That is Epic Records, of which Reid is President and CEO. Reid has been a judge on the show for two seasons, but explained his leaving thusly, saying he is "saddened" to leave but is doing so on good terms with co-host and creator Simon Cowell.

“I have the utmost respect for Simon Cowell. He is the very best, and I have had the opportunity to learn so much from him. Working with him on X Factor has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m honored to have sat on the panel with such incredible talent.”

The news of Reid leaving X-Factor is certainly not a death knell of the show, and speculation as to who will take Reid's judge spot will rampant. This season, new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato were added, and Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez will be added for next season.