Simon Cowell on Ellen DeGeneres, talks Kara DioGuardi, Ryan Seacrest

American Idol judge Simon Cowell stopped by the Ellen DeGeneres show for taping of an episode set to air Tuesday.

Simon told the talk show host that he doesn't love the new (and crowded) four-judge panel but assures that all four judges, including Kara DioGuardi, will return to "American Idol" next season. Kara recently said she's on "American Idol" only for one season.

Simon tells Ellen, "All these contestants have signed up for our show and it's the most important thing in their life and all we're talking about is whether we're (the judges are) going to be on the show or not. It's all a bit out of kilter here. I think certainly next year everyone's going to be back."

Cowell also took a shot at Ryan Seacrest, saying he's lost popularity because he comes in on a staircase. "It made him appear more pompous, obnoxious, taking himself a bit seriously," Cowell said. "You don't give yourself that type of entrance."

On Adam Lambert, Simon says, "I like the fact he's fearless. He's not playing it safe. A lot of the people that take part in these shows want to sing 'Wind Beneath My Wings' every week because it's a sappy song. He's got guts."

Photo courtesy: Michael Rozman