TWoP: When you look at the musical landscape of contemporary music at this point, does it seem important to you that a woman win this year?
Cowell: It depends what she's like. I kind of know where you're going. We've had a few years now of guys winning the show, and I would say there is definitely a better chance of a girl winning the show this year, certainly than last year. When you talk about the landscape, I think you're absolutely right; you want somebody who represents what is going on at the moment. I'd love to find a Taylor Swift, somebody who's relevant rather than just a contest winner.

Obviously, there are some really good singers this year, but don't have what you would call Hollywood looks. So how do you balance what's good for the TV show with what's good for the music industry?
Cowell: Again, it's a good question. I mean, the reason we put a variety of people through is I think primarily on talent and interest in them as people. I think if you just pick everybody because they look the way you think they should look -- it happened a few years ago. I remember every blond girl in the competition looked identical; I couldn't tell one from the other. I think it's important that you can recognize talent, personalities, so I think it's good that we have a mixed bag this year.

What does it feel like for the whole nation to kind of say, "This guy is pretty much irreplaceable on the show? We don't know who we would replace him with."
Cowell: It's very, very flattering. I really do appreciate it. Like I've said before, the show goes on. I'm going to feel sad when it all ends, but look, it's much nicer to be popular than unpopular, so I do appreciate it.

What do you think contestants need to do to stay in the running on the show?
Cowell: I think you have to be original. I remember David Cook. The reason he did so well and suddenly came into the front when he competed was that he managed to find interesting versions of well-known songs and did them in his style. I remember the first time he performed a Lionel Richie song, "Hello," and turned it into a rock song. Or he found the Chris Cornell version of "Billie Jean." He was smart. I would say, don't always do the obvious; try to find something which is more unique and interesting to you. And suck up to me. That always helps.

Steve Lillywhite just released a video nominating himself as your replacement. We've also heard Howard Stern and Perez Hilton are in the running, or think they're in the running. Who of those people would be your pick? What do you think someone who would replace you would need to have?
Cowell: Who was the first guy you said -- Steve Lillywhite? The record producer?

Yes. He made a video.
Cowell: Okay. Is he handsome?

He's fairly attractive.
Cowell: Well, that's not good enough, is it? You have to be good-looking. Secondly, I think you just have to know what you're talking about. I think more and more now, I'm starting to realize with these shows that we have to put people on the shows who actually know what they're talking about rather than guessing. They really have to have experience so you don't just criticize, but you can actually offer constructive advice as well. And Howard, I know Howard's name has been in there for a while, but I'm fairly certain that there hasn't been an approach at any time for Howard to do the show.

Howard has been going on and on about his qualifications. I'm wondering if you could be a little more specific about how much music experience is really required for the job.
Cowell: Well, I think it's really important. It's interesting that when we first started we had a record producer, an artist and an A&R man, so you've covered pretty much everything you need to do. I would say somebody who's had managerial experience is always very helpful, but in simplistic terms, if you judge the ice skating at The Olympics, you're going to give a score. You genuinely need to know what you're talking about. I think over the years judges have been replaced by personalities. That, in the long-term, will create problems, because you have to be able to spot a star. So whoever replaces me, my advice has always been to find somebody who actually knows what they're talking about and has actually experienced success in the music business.

How does that apply to Howard?
Cowell: As I was saying that, I thought, "He doesn't seem to fit any of these criteria." He's played records. Maybe that's a good qualification, that he's played records. He's a DJ. But he obviously wants the job. Good luck to him.

What about Perez?
Cowell: Perez -- Perez would be funny. You know, he has a good taste in music, he's a personality. I mean, that could work.

Simon, you've been talking about how a potential replacement needs experience in the music business. Are any of those comments directed at Ellen?
Cowell: Funnily enough, I was thinking that as I was saying this that people are going to misinterpret what I am saying. No. I'll tell you why I think Ellen was a good choice. She actually is very responsible for people she has performing on her own show. I know that for a fact, because I've dealt with her as a record label. And she loves music and she's been an artist, so no, it wasn't meant to diss her credentials; it was specifically talking about my replacement, because my role on the show was somebody who has run a successful record label. So it was really specifically towards my replacement.

Since this is your last year, I'm wondering what mentors you're hoping to work with, that you haven't gotten to work with yet.
Cowell: That's a good question. Who comes to mind? We've had some pretty good people, haven't we? I think we should have Lady GaGa because she is the most relevant pop artist in the world at the moment. I think she should be number one. I've met her and she's very smart. I like her.

I wanted to get your take on the whole General Larry "Pants on the Ground" phenomenon. It sort of blew out into this worldwide thing.
Cowell: You know, it's an interesting thing, because when he came on the show -- it's one of the reasons why, on X-Factor, we didn't put an age cap on the show. I always found a lot of these older contestants really funny, interesting, whether it's him or somebody like Susan Boyle. So I have to tell you, for him, I'm absolutely thrilled that all this has happened for him, because he needed the break. I'm glad it's worked out well.

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