Posted by Adam

Tuesday August 18, 2009

American Idol judge Simon Cowell insists he’s “sad” Paula Abdul has left the hit show — because he thinks she’s “TV gold”.

The music mogul says Idol won’t be the same without Abdul.

“I didn’t want to get involved in what’s going on because it wasn’t really any of my business but I spoke to her a lot through the whole process,” Cowell, 49, told Fox News.

“She was the heart, so you’ve taken that away so it’s a different show. I’m sad, I am.

“I will support her in anything she wants to do next. I think she is TV gold, genuinely.”

Co-host Randy Jackson echoed Simon’s sentiments.

“Me and Ryan and Simon and her started this journey together, so I’m really shocked and really proud and really just couldn’t believe she’s not here,” he said. “We love her, I’m sure she’s going to be great whatever she decides to do.”

Tags: american idol, paula abdul, simon cowell