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Simon Cowell Sounds Off on 'Idol', 'X-Factor' and Squirrels

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Feb. 24 2010, Published 12:02 p.m. ET

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Who should replace Simon Cowell on American Idol? Who better to ask than Simon himself! Extra talked to the judge about his future on X-Factor, his possible Idol replacements and his new girlfriend!

IDOL RECAP: ELLEN JUDGES HER FIRST LIVE SHOW

What can people expect next from Simon how X-Factor?

"It's over a year away and a lot can happen in a year," Simon tells Extra. "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."

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"What about Mario Lopez?" Extra suggests.

"Tell Mario to call me. I like Mario... he's good," Simon replies.

OK! NEWS: SIMON COWELL ON HIS SUCCESSOR, MISSING PAULA AND THE TRUTH ABOUT ELLEN

What does Simon think of all his rumored Idol replacements — like Howard Stern?

"The names I've heard... Jamie Foxx, Tommy Mottola. Howard, I don't think so... I would think Jamie," Simon 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."

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Jamie Foxx

As Simon finishes up his final season he's trying to enjoy the moment.

"You know it's kind of a weird feeling, but I made the decision months ago," he says. "In a way, I'm enjoying it. You know it's the last time, you've got to make the most of it."

OK! NEWS: MEET THE AMERICAN IDOL FINAL 24

But before he leaves he does have an apology to make!

"Angela, I apologize," he tells contestant Angela Martin, who made it to Hollywood for a third time, but not to the Top 24. "I genuinely do, because I think you should have been in the top 24."

One thing Simon is taking away from his time on American Idol is his current girlfriend Mezhgan Hussainy, a longtime makeup artist on the show, but it doesn't sound like he'll be settling down with her soon — or at least not having children.

"Uh... I'm thinking about getting a pet," he jokes. "A squirrel... ha ha ha ha!"

OK! NEWS: SIMON COWELL: MY GIRLFRIEND IS "THE ONE"

For more of Simon's  interview tun in to Extra tonight!

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