Cowell also revealed that while he plans to replace his own judging duties with a less taxing role on the UK show, there will be no place for former judge Cheryl Cole. She will instead concentrate entirely on her new role as a judge in the States.
Barlow is expected to join Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh on the judges' panel, although Cowell revealed that they have yet to sign contracts.
New role: Simon Cowell confirmed today that Take That star Gary Barlow, left, is to replace him on the UK version of the show
'Gary Barlow is the first person confirmed,' was all he would say in response to questions about his former co-judges.
If both return there will still be a fourth place vacant on the UK show.
ITV bosses have now pushed back auditions until later this month and are working on dates which will allow Barlow to perform with Take That at their sell-out stadium tour, Progress Live, which starts on May 27 in Sunderland and finishes in Munich on July 29.
They will also play eight nights at London’s Wembley Stadium from June 30.
The differences between Cowell and Barlow are myriad - while Cowell likes visiting top restaurants and is often seen out on the town, Barlow is a family man and a devoted husband to his wife, former dancer Dawn.
But both have years of experience at the top levels of the music industry.
Cowell also revealed why British TV host Steve Jones got the U.S. X Factor role instead of Dermot O'Leary.
'There were a lot of decisions involved,' he said. 'The network got involved.
'I wanted him to stay on the British show. He's been there for years and the British show is a good gig.'
He said Jones only flew in last week and bosses decided that he had 'the right chemistry' with Nicole Scherzinger.
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