19 December 2013
Newsdesk
Simon Cowell says Demi Lovato was "always" going to leave The X Factor.
Last night rumours emerged the singer would be giving up her position on the judging panel of the US version of the talent show once this season had finished.
The show's creator, Simon, has now confirmed her departure, stating he's not at all surprised by the 21-year-old's decision.
"Yeah, I think that was always the plan, to be honest with you," he told etonline.com.
"It was two seasons, and we've had great fun, but she has to tour next year. We've had fun working together."
Demi joined the show in 2012 and acted as a judge and mentor throughout seasons two and three.
So far she's the only star besides Simon to have stayed for two seasons, with famous faces such as Britney Spears and Nicole Scherzinger leaving after just one.
Simon, 54, didn't reveal who would be filling her place, but insisted he's had "some thoughts" about who might be up to the job.
Demi has been busy lately, releasing a self-titled album this year and confirming her Neon Lights Tour for 2014.
She's also opened up about her 2010 stint in rehab and her addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as releasing book Staying Strong 365 Days a Year.
There's no chance of the singer taking a break after leaving The X Factor.
"I'm going on tour. I'm pretty much going to do a lot of touring this year. I have a lot of stuff planned," Demi revealed. "I'm really excited to put on a show that I've never really done before. It's going to be awesome. And I plan on working on new music, maybe releasing a new album."
The third season of The X Factor US comes to an end tonight, where the winner will be crowned.
Demi will begin her tour in February next year, starting off in Canada.
