Why Robbie Williams Turned Down $12 Million To Be A Judge On ‘American Idol’
ABC Back when Simon Cowell announced his departure from ‘American Idol’, the hunt was officially on for someone to replace him. A decade later, Robbie Williams has revealed that he was offered $12 to appear on the next season. Here’s why he turned it down.
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Why Robbie Williams turned down ‘American Idol’
Robbie was told back in 2010 that he was the ‘perfect face’ to take over from Cowell. The singer declined the offer however, in fear he’d no longer be able to keep his identity quiet in the States. Speaking recently, Robbie said, “I turned it down because I wanted my anonymity here.”
Williams didn’t rule out talent shows completely, however. Back in 2018, he joined the X Factor judge panel alongside his wife, Ayda.
Simon Cowell also spoke on the show last year, saying Idol’s age restrictions were it’s biggest problem. Here’s what he had to say about his exit from the show.
“How can you say, ‘You can’t be a star [because of your age]?’ And I found ‘Idol’ obnoxious to be honest with you. Why isn’t a 35-year-old as great as an 18-year-old? It just got to the point where this is not real, which is why I moved on.”
Simon Cowell on American Idol
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Why did Robbie and Ayda quit ‘X Factor’ after one season?
It turns out the reason Robbie and Ayda left X Factor so promptly was down to their pay. The couple claimed they’d only return to the ITV show if they got a pay rise. An insider commented on the couple’s request.
“Robbie and Ayda were already on a £10 million deal and there was no way we were going to be able to increase that sort of money.”
Insider
Ayda and Robbie went for a more subtle approach when announcing the news on Instagram.
“Sadly as it’s impossible to do everything, we’re gutted to tell you we won’t be able to return to The X Factor this year. We will, however, be working on projects with Simon going forward – and as huge fans of the show, we will still be tuning into The X Factor, voting and winding Simon up!‘Sadly as it’s impossible to do everything, we’re gutted to tell you we won’t be able to return to The X Factor this year.”
Robbie Williams via Instagram
Whilst we can’t be sure what the couple will do next, it’s possible they will join Cowell on the two upcoming shows he is planning for 2021.
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