Kelly Ripa had a new partner in crime Friday morning, and it was none other that Mr. Mean himself, Simon Cowell! Only "Extra" takes you backstage at "Live" as the brutal Brit subbed for Regis Philbin, where he promised, "I'm going to get in so much trouble here!"

Despite his mean reputation, Kelly and Simon made a match in hosting heaven! The twosome was all smiles until Kelly showcased her less-than-heavenly musical moments from the past five years.

"She is possibly the worst singer I've ever heard in my life," Simon said matter-of-factly.

But sour Simon didn't stop there. He then compared Jessica Simpson to the missing champion Whippet from the Westminster Dog Show. "He looks a little bit like that," Cowell said. "Except with a collar."

Simon's mouth certainly got him in trouble with "American Idol" contestant Mandisa. But since uttering snide remarks, the two have kissed and made up.

"We're sort of dating now," Simon revealed. Mandisa was quick to snap back, "You're not my type."

Backstage with Simon was "Extra's" special correspondent (and Cowell's girlfriend) Terri Seymour. And only Terri got Mr. Mean to talk about another alleged "Idol" conspiracy.

Judge Dread first claimed that the show's producers taped him without his knowledge, but Simon told "Extra:" "I was the one who initiated in the first place. So, I can't complain about that. I just got caught up in a few things that maybe I shouldn't have said."

One thing Simon can stick to doing is predicting the next "American Idol" winner. So, who does he believe will outshine the rest? "I have absolutely no idea who's going to win."

There you have it! Loose-lipped Simon is being more careful with what he says nowadays! Watch his next tongue-lashing when the next round of "Idol" returns, Tuesday on FOX.