Randy Jackson has admitted that he misses Paula Abdul on the American Idol judging panel.

Abdul has been replaced on the talent show by Ellen DeGeneres.

“The whole thing started with me, Ryan [Seacrest], Simon [Cowell] and [Paula],” Jackson told MTV News. “She was one of our best friends, and she still is. I miss that. We look down the table and go, ‘Wait a minute, where’s Paula?’ And I expect to hear something from my left ear and I go, ‘Wait a minute, that doesn’t sound like Paula!’

“It’s gonna take a little getting used to. We’re really sad about that. But, you know, welcoming Ellen to the fold is a good look.”

Jackson also added that he feels the gossip about the judging panel, detracts from the talent of the contestants.

“In terms of the show, I’m sure it’s pretty much a distraction, because people get a little sidetracked with that,” he said. “I mean, there are contestants. ‘Wait a minute, this is a singing competition!’

“Not to belittle what we do, because I think the show is completely about the four of us judges and Ryan and the contestants, but let’s also focus on what we’re judging and what the actual more meat of the show really is: It’s about finding that next superstar talent.”