Simon Cowell says he passed on ABC’s 'American Idol' revival

Whoever ends up appearing on ABC's reboot of "American Idol," don't expect Simon Cowell to be there.

Cowell, who came into America's living rooms as the resident crank in the original Fox run of the series, told Extra that he was approached about joining the upcoming reboot, and took a hard pass.

"I was asked to do it, and the answer is no," Cowell told Extra.

Also Read:Why Fox Gave Up Too Soon on 'American Idol' (Commentary)

"I have no interest. My memories are when we first started. It was a different time with Randy [Jackson], Ryan [Seacrest] and Paula [Abdul]," Cowell added. "You can't recreate that."

Cowell departed the series in 2010. Following his departure, the judge's panel became something of a revolving door. Cowell, who gained notoriety for his no-holds-barred critiques of "Idol" contestants, admitted that, the last time he tuned in to "Idol," it "was not the same show, just the same name. I left for a reason and I never regretted that."

Cowell currently serves as a judge on NBC's "America's Got Talent."

Also Read:Will Ryan Seacrest Host ABC's 'American Idol'?

Earlier this week, ABC announced that it finalized a deal with FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment to revive "American Idol," which ended its run on Fox last year after 15 seasons.

ABC's revival will premiere next season.

Read original story Simon Cowell Says He Passed on ABC's 'American Idol' Revival At TheWrap

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