Simon Cowell: Kara ‘Absolutely’ Back For More ‘Idol’ & Adam Lambert Should Win

“American Idol’s” Simon Cowell is putting to rest speculation that Kara DioGuardi’s days are numbered as a judge on the FOX reality show – along with revealing that rocker Adam Lambert should take home the “Idol” crown.

During an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” airing Tuesday, Simon told Ellen he foresees new judge Kara returning next season.

“All these contestants have signed up for our show and it’s the most important thing in their life and all we’re talking about is whether we’re going to be on the show or not,” he said of reports that Kara could be leaving after just one season. “It’s all a bit out of kilter here. I think certainly next year everyone’s going to be back.”

“Really?” Ellen asked.

“Yeah, absolutely,” he said.

As for who Simon thinks should win this year’s competition – the British judge is picking “Idol’s” resident rocker.

“If it were up to me based on originality, worldwide appeal, I would say Adam,” he told Ellen. “I like the fact he’s fearless. He’s not playing it safe. A lot of the people that take part in these shows want to sing ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ every week because it’s a soppy song… He’s got guts.”

And while many fans were shocked to see Adam in the bottom three last week, Simon said “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest is to partly to blame.

“His entrance. It’s the staircase,” Simon joked, referring to Adam’s dramatic entrance during his performance of “Feeling Good.”

“It almost killed Ryan’s career this year. It’s true. Ever since he demanded the staircase, it was built for him — he wanted as he called it ‘The Grease’ staircase entrance — he’s become more unpopular,” Simon said. “And now, Adam used the staircase, he’s sort of gone there as well.”

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