Cowell to stay on as ‘Idol’ judge

There will be at least five more “American Idol” winners -- and insult-wielding Simon Cowell is booked to do his part in selecting each one.

Fox on Tuesday announced a deal for five more editions of the nation’s most popular television program, with plans to help ardent fans keep in touch with the talent contest over the Internet and on cellphones.

Key to the deal was the settlement of a lawsuit against Cowell by fellow British pop impresario Simon Fuller, creator of “American Idol.”

As the judge alongside Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, Cowell is the show’s breakout star, unafraid to take the villain’s role in offering blunt assessments of young people trying to become singing stars. His contract was due to expire at the end of the season that starts in January; Tuesday’s deal extends the show for four years after that.