Simon Cowell Could Get Up to $144 Million for Another Year of 'American Idol'

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How much would you pay to watch Simon Cowell crush the dreams of a would-be pop stars on American Idol?

If you're FOX, you'd reportedly shell out between $100 million and $144 million per year to keep the Cowell around. As reported in the Guardian (and picked up over here by the New York Post ), that's how much FOX and American Idol producer 19 Entertainment are considering shelling out when Cowell's contract expires next May.

While it's a staggering amount of money for any television personality, it's worth it to remember that American Idol itself brings in a staggering amount of money every year -- an estimated $900 million every year.

And yet for all that, Cowell could still walk away from Idol. The rumors are that he's tired of working on something not of his own creation, and that he's seeking to instead spend his time buliding up shows wholly owned by him.

The Guardian reports that Cowell is about to create an international TV production, talent management, and merchandising company with Sir Philip Green, Britain's sixth wealthiest man. Every man may have his price, but it seems like Cowell's may quickly be exceeding even FOX's budget.

See more Simon Cowell pictures (click any photo):

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