American Idol judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson introduce new judge Kara DioGuardi at Manhattan's Chelsea Piers. New York City, USA - 26.08.08

The Brit recently sparked speculation he was planning to leave the talent show after admitting he'd quit if ratings fell, but he's assuring fans he'll be back for at least one more season.

Asked if he'd be back in 2010 during a recent appearance on U.S. TV chat show Ellen, Cowell said, "Yeah," adding, "(It's) been... the best eight or nine years of my life. I've had the best time, there's nothing to complain about, we've all got on really well."

But he insists he's still planning to leave the show in the near future: "I just believe sometimes everything has to come to an end."

Cowell also revealed he was far from happy with the show's new judge. Calling DioGuardi's arrival "awkward", he said, "I've got to know Kara now and I like her... She's cute."

And after much speculation about DioGuardi's future on American Idol, Cowell insists the songwriter will remain on the judging panel for the next series.

He adds, "Everyone's going to be back. Absolutely."

Source: WENN