‘Idol’ Judges: Still No Replacement For Simon Cowell

The “American Idol” judges are merely weeks away from heading to the table for Season 10 auditions, but the panel admits that their producers still haven’t locked down a replacement for Simon Cowell, who left the show in May.

“I think there’s a lot of discussion going on right now,” judge Randy Jackson told Access Hollywood on Monday night at VH1’s Do Something Awards in Hollywood. “We don’t know yet. So, we’ll see. It’s coming. It’s coming.”

Kara DioGuardi, who was also at the VH1 event, which celebrated celebrities and young people who have gotten involved with giving back and being active in their communities, said she is expecting some “Idol” judge news soon.

“I don’t know definitively who they’ve picked… If they’ve even picked anyone yet,” she said. “I have a feeling that, that will come out in a mass announcement.”

Kara and Randy did confirm some “Idol” news, however. Ellen DeGeneres, who joined “Idol” after the audition round was over during Season 9, will be there for that part of the show this time around.

“I’m sure she will,” Randy said of Ellen’s presence. “She didn’t come on until later on. So, I’m sure she will this time.”

Since Ellen’s never had the chance to participate in the audition round, Kara shared some advice for the TV host and all around funny lady.

“The only advice I could give Ellen is what I’ve already given her… which is just come from your heart, say what you feel,” Kara explained. “People, kids react to that. When they feel that your advice is heartfelt, it’s money.”

With the judges getting ready to do their part in the “Idol” process, Kara said she is getting excited to meet the talent from Season 10.

“I’m not getting butterflies as much as I was, but I’m sure there are thousands of kids who are getting them and I’m ready to find new talent and great talent,” she said. “I love to do that. I do that all year long whether it’s in my job at Warner Bros. or ‘American Idol.’ It’s exciting. It’s exciting to hear somebody that’s really talented that’s never gotten that shot.”