Simon Talks 'X-Factor' and Who Should Replace Him on 'Idol'

February 24, 2010 | Exclusive

Simon Cowell dishes to "Extra's" Terri Seymour about leaving "American Idol," the future of "X-Factor," and his new girlfriend.

What can people expect from the US version of his show "X-Factor?" Cowell says lots of people have expressed an interest in being a judge on the show. "It's over a year away and a lot can happen in a year. I've always made it clear with Paula [Abdul] I would love to work with her, so we'll see what works out. It's not just my decision."

"What about Mario Lopez?" Terri asked. "Tell Mario to call me. I like Mario... he's good," Cowell replied. Now that he's moving on from the "Idol" judge's chair, lots of names have been thrown around as possible replacements, including that of shock jock Howard Stern.

"The names I've heard... Jamie Foxx, Tommy Mottola. Howard, I don't think so... I would think Jamie," Cowell says. "I really like Howard. I think he's winding everybody up at the moment. You know, I think if you're really serious about the job, you don't do it publicly."

Cowell will be leaving "Idol" at the end of this season and is savoring his remaining time on the show. "You know it's kind of a weird feeling, but I made the decision months ago. In a way, I'm enjoying it. You know it's the last time, you've got to make the most of it."

Simon also apologized to down-on-her-luck contestant Angela Martin, who made it to Hollywood for the third time, but was not put through to the Top 24. "Angela, I apologize. I genuinely do, because I think you should have been in the top 24."

While working on "American Idol," Cowell met current girlfriend Mezhgan Hussainy, a longtime makeup artist for the show. Is the tough judge ready to settle down and have kids? Simon is clearly far from it. "Uh... I'm thinking about getting a pet. A squirrel... ha ha ha ha!"

comments

I dont think anyone can replace simon cowell he is the best judge ever, and he knows what hes talking about. stay simon your thee best

Rachael Cosgrave
June 3, 2010

Who cares who replaces Simon? I sure don’t. I stopped watching after Paula left. If Simon is as smart as he thinks he is, he will hire Paula as a judge along side him on the American X-factor and call it a day.

AmericanIdolhater
May 17, 2010

Just saw the list of contenders to replace Simon. There is only one on that list that would make me want to continue watching the show with even the slightest thought that the show might be as good or better… and that would be Quincy Jones.
Howard Stern would bury the show.
Paula Abdul was great but she is not a replacement for Simon. She would only work if one of the other women left, which will still demand a Simon replacement.
Ryan Seacrest, though interesting would also be a problem for the show to me. To change Simon and the host would be way too much of culture shock to me.
Adam Lambert doesn’t have the ability to have his good opinion be the most sought after as Simon’s is.
Who ever is chosen has to have that ability to be the most sought after praise Simon was. He was the only one with that, and it is vital to the health of the show, to my mind, to have one judge that is able to garner that.
Of all the names I have seen Quincy Jones comes the closest.
Do like the idea of someone being a record producer.
Though I don’t know about Steve Lillywhite, having someone there constantly compared to Simon doesn’t sound like the worst problem in the world.

Andrea Simmons
April 27, 2010

Only Larry David can replace Simon because he knows how to produce and has knowledge in the entertainment industry and plus he has the right idea! FIX IT! let the people think that thier votes matter but let me make sure that the top talent isnt elminated before the top 12 are PICK! I LOVED HIS IDEA becuase like him i love the show but i am not 12 years old to go and vote on my favorite! GO LARRY DAVID!

frankie
March 17, 2010

Have a wonderful season Simon!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone is gonna miss you.

Shelley
March 5, 2010

What about Elton John or Paul McCartney, either one is certainly qualified, and know the business very well!!

Renee'
February 27, 2010

Simon’s exit is huge! Will miss him.
I would go with Mario Lopez!!

Suzi
February 27, 2010

I never did like Simon at all and kept hoping he would leave. He just never gives advise that can help the performers. They do need a singer in the recording business as a judge to give advise to the performers that will actually help them. Simon is just too negative and confusing. Any singer in the music business would be better than Simon, including Adam Lambert.

Susan
February 26, 2010

If I could be the one to decide who replaces Simon, I would choose from the following list of people: Barry Manilow,Carson Kressley,Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Buble, Boy- George,Sean Combs,Rosie O’Donnell,Conan O’Brian, Donny Osmond or me.
I also think it would be interesting if FOX left the decision to the viewers. They could vote,by calling a toll free number or texting,the same way they vote for the winner of American Idol.

charlie34983
February 25, 2010

I think Ozzy would be the perfect replacement for Simon! But since no 1 would be able 2 understand a damn thing he says, I’d hafta go w/Howard!

JOEYNUMB
February 25, 2010

I personally don’t miss Paula at all. Ellen is ok but I really think Simon lets his ego get in his way…EVERYONE is replaceable…yes…even king Simon. There are other people with accents and arrogance if that is what they want. I still say…just keep 3 judges…make it about the contestants.

irene
February 25, 2010

Why does anyone need to replace him??? Just take away one chair and have 3 like in the beginning.

irene
February 25, 2010

“SIMON” GOING TOO “MISS HIM”
HATE TOO SEE HIM LEAVE! WISH HE WASN’T!
BUT, I WASN’T FOR “PAULA” LEAVING”
I AM “NO FAN OF “ellen”
” GO “MARIO” LOPEZ”

GARY WAYNE TILSON
February 25, 2010

Why not pick Adam Lambert? He thinks he knows it all and he thinks he is King Tut in the short time he has bacome known. He is making a jerk out of himself by saying, “I died laughing hearing her sing on her album”. The one who sang, “I Have a Dream”.
Lori

Lori
February 25, 2010

NOT HOWARD STERN. he is too vulgar and unmusical.Conservative family watchers do not want a shocker live. Bette Midler,Elton John, Piers Morgan,Quincy Jones,Jackson,any singer today or past, who can actually tell if someone is in tune, has star power and presence, who recognizes songs enough to know the words,etc. would be acceptable.

Patricia
February 25, 2010

I’m with Dr. Elaine; I also wish Simon would reconsider. He does two shows every year in the UK; why can’t he do two shows in the US? Idol will be completely worthless without him, so if this is his last season, it’s my last season, too. I am hoping that he changes his mind and stays on Idol, PLUS does X Factor as well.

Barnsinger
February 25, 2010

Well it should absolutely be somebody who like SIMON is in the business.Somebody who does ,picks produce all etc.I say TOMMY MOTTOLA ,Quincy Jones .Simon cant be replace but since it is happening THIS SHOW MUST HAVE THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS ..PERIOD I MYSELF SAY QUINCY JONES

CATSUNY
February 25, 2010

Triumph the Wonder Dog would be perfect.

Anonymous
February 24, 2010

Simon, picking your replacement is not easy, too bad you don’t have an evil twin. Anyhow my pick for your replacement would be Bette Mildner…Tell it like it is.

Christina
February 24, 2010

No one could replace Simon and personally I want him to remain on the show because he is real, he’s knowledgeable and just simply a matter of fact kind of guy. I love Ellen and the rest of the gang, but without Simon, and I am a faithful viewer and voter, this will be my final year of watching my number one show. I really wish Simon would reconsider…

Dr. Elaine
February 24, 2010
post comment


(not displayed)


Back to Top »