Paula Abdul is described by Simon Cowen on being ‘gracious’ when she was asked to leave the X Factor US show.

He was interviewed by his ex, Terri Seymour for the entertainment show, Extra.

Now, he explains the real reason on why he axed female judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger.

He said that the Fox Network Executives told him that there must be changes on the beginning of the year for the show because the X Factor US only averaged 12.6 million viewers at the end of the season.

When he was asked what was his reaction, he said that the executives were very straight on what they wanted for the show and wants it to happen right away.

When Paula Abdul heard the news, she was fine and gracious. She understand that it is not something personal and its pure business.

Simon also said that if he had a choice he wants Paula to stay.

The Pussycat Doll Nicole was described by Simon as ‘disappointed’ but she was never mad.

On his decision to keep LA Reid he said, “There’s not a record executive out there who is as good as him.”

Simon did not talk about the removal of Steve Jones.

But he talked about rumors going on that he offered Beyonce $100 million to be part of the judging panel.

He said that it is not true and that the show itself is budgeted for that amount. He would never offer that kind of money in a one person.

Simon also said that he never had a conversation with Beyonce about it.

On offering Mariah Carey, he said that he wants her but she has no time to make the big commitment as she is busy with her kids and career.

When he was asked who would he like to be a judge, he said ‘Madonna would be great.’