Fox ordering more 'Idol'... with or without Simon Cowell

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fox is working on a deal to order more episodes of American Idol — with or without judge Simon Cowell, whose contract expires at the end of 2010. (Cowell’s brother Tony announced on his podcast Tuesday that Simon plans to leave the show, possibly to focus on bringing his UK hit The X-Factor to the States.) Fox’s current contract with 19/Fremantle extends through 2011; the new deal would reportedly be for at least another three years. A rep for Fox had no comment.