AGT: Simon Cowell Stepping Down As Judge On Walk The Line

America’s Got Talent judge and creator Simon Cowell is stepping down from his newest TV show. Simon created AGT in 2006, and the show just concluded it’s sixteenth season with Dustin Tavella crowned as the show’s latest winner. Simon has worked on AGT as an executive producer since the show started, but didn’t join the judging panel until Season 11. He also judged both seasons of America’s Got Talent: The Champions and will judge the upcoming AGT: Extreme spinoff. Before becoming an on-screen presence within the AGT franchise, Simon was best known for judging the first nine seasons of American Idol.

While Simon has become one of the most famous TV judges in America, he is also extremely well-known in his home country, England. It was recently announced that The X Factor, which also aired for three seasons in the U.S., would be cancelled in the UK after airing for 17 years on ITV. This came shortly after the announcement that Simon had created a brand new musical game show for the same network called Walk the Line.

Related: America’s Got Talent: Extreme Spin-Off Shuts Down After Contestant Injury

Now, Yahoo is revealing that Simon, who was planning to judge Walk the Line, will not be joining the new show’s panel. Simon explained his decision in the following statement: “This is a situation where I have decided it is right for me to focus on my role as the creator and producer as we build up to the hugely exciting launch.” The new show will see musical acts competing for a jackpot prize of £500,000. The top two acts at the end of each episode must choose whether to leave with the cash prize or continue to the next round in the show. Soloists, groups, and choirs are all eligible to compete.

With Simon no longer appearing on Walk the Line, he will be replaced by Take That lead singer Gary Barlow. Gary previously replaced Simon as head judge of The X Factor UK for three years, while Simon judged the American version of the show. Simon expressed his enthusiasm that Gary is his replacement: “Gary’s musical pedigree is second to none – and we have known each other a long time now – so I am delighted he is picking up the baton for me for the first series of Walk The Line. I know he will do a fantastic job.” Gary, who judged The X Factor from 2011-2013, has said the following: “When Simon calls it’s usually with something fairly extraordinary. I’m so excited to be involved in a brand new TV show, and of course my favourite part of Walk the Line is discovering new talent.“

Next: AGT: Sofia Vergara Discusses Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis At 28