Would-be recording stars will come and go over the next three years, but Simon Cowell will stay put.

Cowell, the sharply critical and highly watchable judge on FOX's "American Idol," has signed a three-year agreement with the network that will, among other things, keep him in the judge's chair for future editions of the talent search.

"Simon Cowell has a unique voice and point of view that obviously resonates all over America," FOX Chairman Sandy Grushow says in a statement. "That means we'll have to put up with him for years to come."

After the second "American Idol" wrapped in May, Cowell made noise about leaving the hit series behind. More recently, though, he said he had a "gut feeling" he'd re-sign with FOX.

The deal calls for Cowell to judge "American Idol" for the next three years (the show is scheduled to return in January 2004). In addition, it establishes a production company, called simcow ltd., that will develop other projects. The company will have a first-look deal with FOX for a new unscripted series.

Cowell, who came to "Idol" because of his experience as a music executive, has already branched out into TV production. He's an executive producer of the dating show "Cupid," which makes its debut on CBS Wednesday (July 9). "Cupid" is produced by FremantleMedia North America, the company behind "Idol."

"I'm absolutely thrilled to have concluded this deal with FOX," Cowell says. "Because of their commitment to 'American Idol,' it made sense for me to sign on."