Even though "American Idol" is coming back, don't look for original judge Simon Cowell to return with it.

The opinionated Brit told Extra, "I was asked to do it, and the answer is no." (Also not returning: Kelly Clarkson, who will be joining "The Voice" instead.)

Cowell, who left the show in 2010, added, "I have no interest. My memories are when we first started. It was a different time with Randy [Jackson], Ryan [Seacrest] and Paula [Abdul]. You can't recreate that."

He went on, "Last time I watched, it was not the same show, just the same name. I left for a reason and I never regretted that."

He's still judging aspiring entertainers, but over at NBC on "American's Got Talent."

As for whether Ryan Seacrest will be back, a source tells "Extra" that he's in "early discussions" to return to hosting. But as he told "Extra," as he headed to his new gig at "Live with Kelly and Ryan" yesterday, "I would love to do it, but I've got this job right now."