After the new show, “X Factor”, underperformed in its first season, Cowell had to release the hosts Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger.

Cowell blames himself, saying that his expectations were unreasonable, and “It’s only because I opened my big mouth and said we were going to get 20 million [viewers]. If I hadn’t said that, everybody would be saying the show was a huge success.”

Cowell told Extra that he would have liked to keep Abdul on the show, but that she is understanding.

The only judge who remains from the original trio is L.A. Reid, because, in the words of Cowell, “There’s not a record executive out there who is as good as him for the job.”

Cowell mentioned Katy Perry, Madonna and Mariah Carey as potential options for new judges, but everything remains in the consideration stage.

Simon Cowell revealed more about “The X Facotr” judge members with a recent interview with Deadline.com. It seems like that former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul and singer Cheryl Cole will join on the judge panel with Cowell and Antonio “L.A.” Reid.

Cowell said, “I’ve always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right. I’ve never found anyone better than her. I think there’s a good chance it will be her.”

He commented about Cole too, “This girl is special. She’s just got a great ability to communicate. She’s a great judge. She’s smart. If people take to her like the British public did, I think she’s going to do really well in America.”

It didn’t take long – Paula Abdul is back.

Fresh from her bitter departure from “American Idol,” Paula is set to host the “VH1 Divas” concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in September. Incidentally, one of this year’s divas will be American Idol’s first winner, Kelly Clarkson, and the show’s sixth season winner, Jordin Sparks. It should be interesting to see how the camera men film around that elephant in the room.

Other announced performers include Adele, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. (When was Miley upgraded from teeny-bopper to diva?) And as in previous years, the concert will raise money for VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

From a cafƒ© in Arizona, accompanied by his “wingmen” Danny and Anoop (fellow former “American Idol” contestants), Matt Giraud took some time out of his day off from the “Idol” tour to chat with Blast Magazine about his “Idol” experience and upcoming new gig as mentor and host of the Yobi network’s new show, “Make the Cut.”

Prior to his recent Idol fame, Giraud spent his time as a dueling piano player, a gig in which he never truly felt comfortable. “They thought I was too good to be playing there; they could always tell I wanted to be a true artist. At the time, I just wanted a job.”

Born and raised in Michigan, Giraud was a performer from birth. It wasn’t until last season’s “American Idol” that he got his “big break” unless you count a 2nd place win in the West Michigan “Idol” contest.

In Hollywood Giraud placed fifth in the competition, after being the first ever recipient of the “judges save” and given a second chance at proving his talent. That he did, performing The Fray’s “You Found me”, Stevie Wonder’s “Part Time Lover” and eventually being eliminated after a passionate rendition of Richard Rodger’s “My Funny Valentine.”

The judges save was a turning point for Matt. Although he didn’t win the competition, it boosted his confidence and forced the world to take a second look at this dueling piano player from Michigan. It was ” “¦a huge honor” reflects Matt, “People behind the scenes, the judges, they saw something in me. I didn’t feel like I could convey that to the audience in a minute and a half.”

Now in full swing, The “American Idol” Tour has, so far, been getting rave reviews – in large part because of Giraud’s performances. “People on tour are surprised at how good I am. I’m making a bigger impact now. I’m calling it my “ËœRedemption Tour.’”

When the tour wraps, Giraud will travel back to Michigan where he’ll take a back seat as performer. Yobi TV, the “online reality contest network” will air “Make The Cut” in September ’09. Matt describes it as the “”ËœAmerican Idol’ of the internet.” Twelve finalists will have the chance to rise to the top and then be mentored by Giraud in MI recording studios as the elimination process continues. One winner will win a chance to cut a record.

What will Giraud’s role be? “It’s cool to be on the opposite end of the spectrum” he says. As a mentor he hopes to ” “¦bring a little hope, bring out their talent and passion. I’m not just going to blast people like Simon.” Sounds like he’ll be channeling Paula a bit.

While future plans have yet to be set in stone, Matt Giraud knows one thing for sure: he is beyond thankful for everything. He is currently writing songs, booking gigs, and wants “to do a ton of different things.” For someone whose influences include Louis Armstrong and Dru Hill, it sounds like success will certainly continue for this dynamic performer.

But first, it’s time for Matt Giraud to finish his scone and get back to the “Idol” tour”¦

“Make the Cut” airs on Yobi TV in September 2009.

It’s no secret Ryan Seacrest was recently offered $45 million in a three-year contract to continue hosting “American Idol.” Randy Jackson has signed on until at least 2011 and Simon Cowell is currently in negotiations for a new contract. Even Kara DioGuardi wants to come back, and auditions for the ninth season of the hit show are already underway.

Notorious softy Paula Abdul, however, will more than likely be absent from the judge’s table. The New York Daily News reported today that Paula has yet to be offered a new contract.

“She’s not a happy camper as a result of what’s going on,” said Paula’s manager, David Sonenberg. “I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven’t stepped up and said what they want to do.”

As showbiz often goes, the drama is high school-worthy – ignoring the weird girl until she just goes away. So, not surprisingly, Sonenberg said Paula probably won’t be an “Idol” judge next season.

And in even less of a surprise, Paula is tweeting her feelings: “I’m actually moved 2 tears upon reading the enormous amount of tweets showing me your kindness, love, & undying support. God bless all of you! If it weren’t for you, this specific time and situation would feel a whole lot worse!”

Eloquent as always, Paula. Cue Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day.”