It was a firing spree last week for the crew of ‘X-Factor‘, sending [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Paula Abdul[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Nicole Scherzinger[/lastfm], and Steve Jones packing. Show creator Simon Cowell did say that he didn’t want to fire Paula, but had to…

According to US Weekly, when Simon Cowell let [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Paula Abdul[/lastfm] go from X-Factor, it was strictly business — and not at all personal.

Actually Simon said to Extra, “I would’ve liked to have kept her. She was very gracious and I said that to her. She understands it’s business; it’s never personal.”

So what about the rumors of [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Beyonce[/lastfm] taking over?? Cowell laughed off reports that he offered her $100 million to take part. “I have no idea where this rumor came from. It’s complete nonsense.”

So who is on Cowell’s wish list? He said [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Madonna[/lastfm] could be “great” but “expensive” and that [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Katy Perry[/lastfm] “would be fun — and she’s feisty.”