LOS ANGELES, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- O.J. Simpson's controversial book "If I Did It" may find its way into U.S. bookstores next year once the work's rights return to the former sports star.

While all 400,000 copies of the novel were ordered to be destroyed after News Corp. (NYSE:NWS) canceled its publication, Time magazine reported that with the book's rights set to return to Simpson in late 2007, "If I Did It" could ultimately be released.

"If I Did It" is Simpson's hypothetical take on how he would have committed the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman.

The claim that Simpson could likely get the book's rights and publish it in time for next Christmas comes in the wake of last week's lawsuit from Goldman's father, Fred, who wants the rights as well.

"There was originally an indication they might be open to such an idea (turning all profits over to the victims' families)," Goldman said of his suit. "If they want to be through with this, they should have no problem turning over those rights to us."

Cowell's paychecks increase with fame

LONDON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Thanks in part to his growing popularity and two new contracts, British TV personality Simon Cowell is set to earn more than $60 million.

The New York Post reported that between his new $24 million contract to produce "American Idol" and the $38 million he'll earn annually to produce British TV series, Cowell is gaining on iconic TV host Oprah Winfrey both financially and in popularity.

Cowell confessed that his success has been built upon the draw of embarrassment he brings to series like "Idol" and "X Factor," the report says.

"We illustrate how 95 percent of the public simply don't have any talent and are completely useless," Cowell said regarding his TV endeavors. "Telling them they are hopeless is a good thing. But do I care either way? No."

The Post said the success the 47-year-old is enjoying only comes after the financial hardship he faced only 15 years ago as a bankrupt record company salesman, a situation he credits for being a true education.

Turin film fest director steps down

TURIN, Italy, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Nanni Moretti, award-winning Italian film director, resigned as director of the Turin (Italy) Film Festival only two days after accepting the job.

The BBC reported that Moretti, 53, stepped down after learning that his appointment was strongly opposed by some organizers of the festival, which focuses on young directors and independent works from around the world.

"With great pain I give up the job and leave you to your ... personal grudges," Moretti said in a statement.

Moretti's films include "The Son's Room," which received the coveted Palme d'Or in 2001 at the Cannes Film Festival.

Dancer Chandralekha succumbs to cancer

CHENNAI, India, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Famed innovative dancer Chandralekha has died in her native India at the age of 78 after a long battle with cancer.

The Press Trust of India said that Chandralekha, whose experimental dance forms helped earn her international popularity, died Saturday in Chennai, India.

An exponent of the classical Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam, Chandralekha had enjoyed a successful career that included receiving a Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship and India's annual Kalidas Samman award.

She also presented her innovative dance style by choreographing and dancing in productions such as "Raga: In Search of Femininity" and "Mahakaal."

Chandralekha's death came after she was discharged from an area hospital early last week, the report said.