If you look him up on IMDb, you’ll find that his trademarks are “brutally honest” and solid-coloured shirts and sweaters with jeans. In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his U.S. earnings at $45 million for the year. The Sunday Times List estimated his net worth at $196 million in 2009. He IS THE Simon Cowell and we at gendance fancy his brilliance. We chatted with him on the ‘tele’ last week. This week, you get the dish from American’ Idol’s biggest Idol.

Does it seem important for a woman to win this year?
I would think there’s a definitely a better chance, yes...

What’s the right type of woman to win?
We want someone who represents what’s going on at the moment. Someone that exposes what’s relevant.

What qualifications are most important for judges, and do you think Perez Hilton would be a good match?
We have to put people on the shows that actually know what they’re talking about. They can’t just criticize. They have to offer constructive criticism as well. Perez would be funny. He’s got a good taste in music and a good personality, it would work. :)

Can you address the stories about you and Ellen not getting along.
I don’t know her that well. It was difficult for her because she started work on Hollywood week. There was no fall out at all. I was trying to guide her through the week, really.

What do you miss most about Paula?
Paula’s my friend. I got so close to her over the years. We’d hang out after the show. She made me laugh, I always thought she was funny. I do miss her.

What does it feel like for the nation to say “This guy is irreplaceable.”
It’s flattering. I appreciate it. The show does go on. It’s much nicer to be popular than unpopular... so thank you very much.

How much music experience is really required for a new judge?
It’s really important. It’s interesting. We had a record producer, an artist and an A & R man... someone who’s had managerial experience is important. If you’re gonna give a score, you genuinely need to know what you’re talking about. Over the years, judges have been replaced by personalities... My advice is find someone who actually knows what they’re talking about.

How does that apply to Howard Stern?
He doesn’t really seem to fit. He’s a DJ. He’s played records... but who ever wants the job, good luck to them.

What can you tell us about Chris Golightly.
I remember his audition because Kara loved him. The 2nd and 3rd time he wasn’t as strong as his first audition. I don’t know why he’s been removed from the show. I’m assuming this was a technical reason.

What stars are you dying to have on before you leave?
Lady Gaga. I’ve met her and like her. She’s really smart. She’s most relevant at the moment.

Some people have less than Hollywood looks. How do you balance this?
Good question. We put a variety of people through on talent. They’re interesting people. It’s important to recognize talent and personalities over looks. It’s about remembering people. Part of the problem from this show is that you have to remember everyone.

What you think the two Boston contestants need to do to stay on the show?
You’ve got to be an original. Daily Cook did so well, he came to the front, he managed to find interesting versions of good songs and did them well. He turned Lionel Richie’s song into a rock song. He was smart. I’d say the same thing to the two Boston contestants... and suck up to me that always helps.

Can you size up the Dallas singers?
Yea, um, I think the guys are relatively equal. I’m not sure any of them will win, they’re all about equal at the moment. Not a bad place to be.

With the live show coming up are you going to try and take a driving instructor role or will you stay as visible as you have been?
I prefer live TV. I never go in with any preconceived ideas of what people will be like. I’ll be in the moment. I will always do what I did in my career; which is be honest, truthful and give constructive advice. I say what you think people at home are thinking. I’ll keep to my seat and hopefully be the last one to speak. I wanna go out on a high. It’s my last season, I want it to be successful and I’ll do anything I can to make it happen.

There’s tremendous speculation about your replacements, has anyone contacted you personally?
You’re never gonna pick anyone as good as yourself, so I don’t think anyone will ever ask me the question to replace me. Some people are “put in a role to play a role” which has become tiresome. We have to find someone who can actually make a difference to the contestants. They’ve got to be honest and blunt, not rude... there will be a lot of people who want the job and ironically... it will help. I had a couple of calls, but they were boring and wouldn’t stand the chance. 

Who can do it in your mind? If I REALLY knew the answer to that question, I wouldn’t tell you.

What about Noel Gallagher from Oasis?
Do you think people will understand him? :) I actually know him. He’s a brilliant song writer. It’s a possibility. The good news for FOX is that there will be no shortage of candidates, but when you hear people’s names like Madonna, you have to give a MASSIVE time commitment. It would be hard for big time stars because they have to be prepared to give up the amount of time. It should be interesting to see who fills the role.

Does it need to be a British person?
This person, specifically, has got to have a lot of experience in the music business. It’s THE most important thing. Whether a manager or an artist.

We’ll miss you, Simon. Thanks for making American Idol what it is today for the next generation.
I’ll still be around so thank you everyone. We’ll do this again real soon!