Simon will return to 'American Idol'

Insult-happy American Idol fans, rejoice! Simon Cowell (left) is staying put — and for quite a while. Fox announced today that both the acid-tongued judge and the show he helped turn into a ratings — and radio — juggernaut will be around for at least five more installments (counting the one that premieres this January). Apparently, Idol creator Simon Fuller decided that little copyright-infringement lawsuit against Cowell wasn’t that big a deal after all (the suit was settled quietly out of court). You know what this means, people? More Kellys, Clays, Carries, and Bos! Can you stand the excitement? I can’t. I’m already attempting to program my TiVo a half-decade in advance.

addCredit(“Simon Cowell: Fox”)