Randy wants Paula back!

She’s been replaced by
Ellen DeGeneres at the judge’s table, but according to
Randy Jackson,
Paula Abdul is still welcome back on
American Idol. “Of course! Are you kidding? Anytime!” Randy passionately responded to
In Touch when asked if he would be open to his former co-star Paula making a guest appearance on the hit singing competition show. Despite her abrupt departure in August after eight seasons of
Idol, there is no bad blood between Paula and former fellow judges Randy,
Simon Cowell and
Kara DioGuardi. “We miss her desperately. She’s one of my favorite people in the world,” Randy added at the Yahoo! Yodel Studio in New York’s Times Square on October 13. Daytime talk show host Ellen will make her judging debut when the Fox series returns in January - and Randy couldn’t be more excited. “I’ve known her for a long time, and she’s a dear friend of all of ours. I love her!” he exclaimed about the quirky comedian.