Simon Says He Misses Paula on "Idol"

(CBS)  Does "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell miss former judge Paula Abdul?

"Of course," Cowell said on "The Early Show" Wednesday. In an interview with "Early Show" contributor and "Britain's Got Talent" judge Amanda Holden, Cowell said the show is different without Abdul, but added, "You've got to respect people's decisions."

Cowell admitted, "I hate saying this, but Paula's a star. When she came on the show, she was a star, is a star, will always be a star. And then you've got to remember that, with all the people (lining) up, they want to be a star on 'American Idol.' You've got to sort of try to concentrate on them and not think about yourself, which is difficult."

Holden, while interviewing her boss, got Cowell to open up about Susan Boyle, the Scottish singing sensation plucked from obscurity on "Britain's Got Talent."

In Britain, 19 million tuned in and watched Boyle lose the top prize to a dance group. Vulnerable and fragile, she became tabloid fodder and landed in a hospital.

Cowell said Boyle's breakdown was "scary."

"I think at the point where (Susan) didn't win, that she was afraid that everything would be taken away from her. And she was going to go back to that little house," Cowell said. "... She didn't want go back to that life."

Slideshow: Singin' Susan Boyle

Cowell said when Boyle was hospitalized he realized he had a responsibility to the contestants on his shows.

"We're used to (the fame)," Cowell told Holden. "They're not."

When Boyle recovered, she still wanted to make a record with Cowell.

"Here's the good news," Cowell said. "After all the dust settled, she was happy. She is literally stunning on record."

And is Boyle happy when she listens to herself?

Cowell, who is producing her album, said Boyle burst into tears when they played her song for her.

Holden reported Boyle will be singing familiar songs on her debut album, such as a song by The Rolling Stones.

But will other people enjoy Boyle's album?

Her debut album won't be released until November, but it's already topping the charts in pre-sales.

And Cowell is confident in her ability to sell her music. "She's going to sell millions of records this year," he said.

Cowell, famously single and forthcoming to a fault, often makes contestants squirm. He even has a critique for the most successful band of all time.

Holden asked Cowell, "If the Beatles came on 'Britain's Got Talent' or 'American Idol,' do you think you would have put them through to boot camp?"

Cowell responded, "I think we would have said, 'We'll take those three but we'll probably lose the drummer.' Ringo, I'm afraid, it's bad news."

Cowell has helped turn "American Idol" winners into stars. Kelly Clarkson has sold 10 million albums. Country singer Carrie Underwood has sold 11 million and collected three Grammy awards.

And Cowell's new "American Idol" contract is reportedly worth $45 million a year.

What more could he want?

Cowell said he wants to go on winning.

"(Winning) excites me," he said. "I like winning."

Holden said on "The Early Show" Cowell never sits still. She said, "He as the boredom threshold of a goldfish."

Cowell said he likes producing shows more than appearing on them. Holden reported Cowell will likely take a backseat role in the future, perhaps producing a television drama.

However, Cowell told Holden his shows probably won't do as well without his presence.

[kimicharm]

I will not be watching American Idol anymore. Ellen is not qualified...Simon if you miss Paula, bring her back!!! Ryan is replaceable, not Paula....This is the end of Idol!!!!!

[kimicharm]

I will not be watching American Idol anymore...Ellen is not qualified!!! Simon if you really miss Paula bring her back!!!
I believe this is the end of Idol!!!

[barnsinger]

I LOVE Simon, and I am SO upset that I missed this interview!!!!! Why don't you have a clip? Will it ever be repeated or posted later?

I am still reeling from the news about Ellen DeGeneres, of all RIDICULOUSLY unlikely people, taking Paula's place. STUPID move, which they will regret miserably. They need to cut the nonsense and bring back Paula!!! It's not Idol without her.

[pillowmeat]

Kelly Clarkson has sold over 10 million albums in the US and over 21 million worldwide, Carrie Underwood has sold 9.5 million in the US and about 13 million worldwide. Just thought the correct facts were needed.

[bojoblack]

This is just my opinion, but Paula and Simon are the judges who made American Idol. Simon is harsh but that is what the contestants need. As for Randy, I looked forward to see what new word he learned. Ellen is a comedian not a talent judge. Probably will not watch American Idol in the future.

[khab2]

I agree with CorkieUS and CJishere. CBS has been my network of choice for years, but I have quit watching it since Amanda's little stunt. (An apology to Susan by Amanda is what I want.) The plus side is that I'm getting to know other networks and there are some good shows out there! I've watched the Early Show for years but am finding that I like Good Morning America too.

[CorkieUS]

I'm glad to see the article on Susan Boyle, but disappointed that Amanda Holden was doing the interviewing. Too bad CBS hasn't quite gotten "the message". A judge on a talent show should have had the ethical standards to NEVER trash a talent show contestant on public television. It was rude and disgusting and showed a total lack of character. By keeping Miss Holden on as a judge on BGT, obviously BGT must approve of her appalling behaviour and CBS must agree to keep her on their staff. Sorry, I'll continue to keep CBS off my preset buttons until your raise your ethical standards.

[CJishere]

I'm thankful for Simon's information and comments about Susan Boyle. But, like others, I'm bothered by Amanda's attempts to appear friendly to Susan Boyle now. She dressed up "as Susan" in a horrid, torn dress and put a mustache on and then sang I dreamed a Dream in a mocking "male" voice and with a horrid accent. The British gov't standards office received numerous complaints. It was cruel and rude, particularly since Susan Boyle had been hospitalized partly as a result of mocking about her appearance. The clip is viewable on UTube.

I understand that people make mistakes, but Amanda has never suggested she's sorry or even regrets the decision to do that skit. If she did say something like this, I would applaud her. And yet, she hasn't.

[jbright9]

I am a huge Susan Boyle fan and enjoyed hearing that her record is wonderful and she is happy with it. I can hardly wait until November to finally have it. Although I think Amanda's performance on Chatty Man was hurtful and in poor taste, I am willingly to give her a second chance. We all make mistakes and I have heard Amanda say some very supportive things about Susan. Hopefully she will think about what she says and does in the future as she may be more hurt in the long run than Susan ever will be.

[HeartinChina]

Amanda Holden-YUCK!!!