HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Simon Cowell is opening up for the first time since Paula Abdul revealed last month that she was leaving "American Idol."

The 49-year-old Cowell tells "Extra" that the dynamics of the show have certainly changed.

"It's different," he said of only working with fellow judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. "It's like comparing a carrot to a banana."

Since Abdul's announcement, the hit Fox show has signed on several guest judges, including Victoria Beckham, Shania Twain and Katy Perry. Cowell said he didn't want to "get in the middle" of the dispute between the show's execs and Abdul, but did say that his longtime sparring partner will be greatly missed.

"I miss her," he said.