Television February 24, 2010
Simon Talks 'X-Factor' and Who Should Replace Him on 'Idol'
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!"
