American Idols Randy Jackson: Simon Cowells irreplaceable

And in the same interview, the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, denies that new judging panel member Jennifer Lopez has been a “pain in the neck”.

Jackson’s comments are published just over a week before 41-year-old Lopez and Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler, 62, make their debut as judges on the hit US reality show.

When asked about Cowell, 54-year-old Jackson tells Entertainment Weekly: “Look, he’s irreplaceable.

“It’s not about replacing him or any of the others – Paula [Abdul], Ellen [DeGeneres], Kara [DioGuardi], anybody else… it’s definitely been interesting. He’s our friend for life…

“So, listen, we definitely miss him, but it’s a different kind of vibe. It’s a different kind of energy now. And I think in season 10 the show actually really needed it.”

Jackson made his comments in a joint interview with 36-year-old Seacrest and the new Idol judges Lopez and Tyler.

Slapping down rumours that the Jenny From The Block singer was difficult to work with, Seacrest told the US magazine: “The rumours and the talk, it’s all hysterical.

“Unfortunately, [Jennifer] has not been a pain in the neck at all. She’s been so easy.”

The new season of American Idol will premiere in the US on 19 January. Cowell’s new show – a US version of the X Factor – will be broadcast later this year.