Simon Cowell on possible ‘American Idol’ return: No!

Simon Cowell  AP FILE PHOTO

When Simon Cowell was asked to join the reboot of “American Idol,” his answer was a crisp and firm “No.”

In an interview with Extra, the 57-year-old TV mogul, who served as the judge of the singing show’s first nine seasons, gave his thumbs-down when asked to reprise his judging stint. “I was asked to do it, and the answer is no,” he told the news site.

After pulling out from “American Idol” in 2010, Cowell began “crumbling” hopefuls’ singing dreams on “Britain’s Got Talent,” “The X Factor” and, recently, “America’s Got Talent.” Because of his cruel judging, fans would normally fire him with boos in most “American Idol” episodes.

“I have no interest. My memories are when we first started. It was a different time with Randy [Jackson], Ryan [Seacrest] and Paula [Abdul]. You can’t re-create that,” Cowell explained.

READ: Report: Kelly Clarkson eyed as judge on ‘American Idol’

He even gave his honest opinion about the show’s format after leaving. “Last time I watched, it was not the same show, just the same name. I left for a reason and I never regretted that,” he said.

Possible names of host and judges for the show’s revival, which was transferred to ABC from Fox, have made paparazzi headlines over the past few days. Kelly Clarkson, the show’s debut champion, was first rumored to judge the reboot until she announced her judging stint on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2018.

Meanwhile, former “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest is reportedly in talks to host the show.  Gianna Francesca Catolico /ra

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