IT was bound to happen — now the “Idol” people say they “miss” Paula Abdul.
Simon Cowell spoke for the first time about Paula’s abrupt departure last month, telling a TV tabloid show that the chemistry among the judges is “different” without her,
Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi have been working without Abdul for about a month now, judging auditions around the country with guest judges sitting in for her.
“Of course I miss her,” Simon said right before the LA callbacks began.
How was it different?
“It’s like comparing a carrot to a banana,” he said — whatever that means.
Randy told a local TV station that he still can’t get used to not having Paula there.
“I look across the table and say, ‘Where’s my P,’ ” Jackson said in his characteristic jive talk.
Paula shocked the entertainment world last month when she announced she would not return to the show after seven seasons due to a contract dispute.
Despite a bunch of new offers, Paula hasn’t taken any so far — including a dance revue in Las Vegas and some guest-starring roles on a cable drama series — nothing so far would prevent her from re-signing with “Idol” by the time the live show begins early next year.