NEWSSimon Cowell Sounds Off on 'Idol', 'X-Factor' and Squirrels
Feb. 24 2010, Published 12:02 p.m. ET
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!
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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."
"What about Mario Lopez?" Extra suggests.
"Tell Mario to call me. I like Mario... he's good," Simon replies.
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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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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."
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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!"
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For more of Simon's interview tun in to Extra tonight!
