Simon Cowell wants Paula Abdul.

Not in the sexual sense, although the two American Idol judges often flirt like school children.

Instead, the British music producer has made it clear that his judging partner is mistaken in assuming the show doesn't want her back.

“She’ll be fine. She’ll be on the show,” Cowell told Extra yesterday, responding to Abdul's manager's complaints. “I don’t get a lot of say. I’ve just made it clear that I want Paula on the show."

Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest expressed a similar sentiment.

“I think, as far as I know, you’ll see everybody back. I hope so.”

As for the most recent batch of American Idol finalists, they recently brought the Staples Center down with a crowd-pleasing show in Los Angeles.