It's an "American Idol" exclusive: a family portrait of a happy family, as Randy, Ryan, Paula and Simon come together for a one-of-a-kind interview you'll only see on "Extra."

Joining the judges and host were "Idol" Executive Producers Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe, as "Extra" went where cameras have never gone before: on the "Idol" stage.

"It's never happened before, actually," Ken admitted of the gathering.

So let's get straight to what everybody wants to hear: some family secrets.

"We looked at changing the judges," Nigel revealed. "But we loved what we had."

Added Ken, "We couldn't find anybody else, sorry Nigel, that was stupid enough to do it."

"Funny, funny," Randy laughed.

It was a candid conversation about everything "Idol" and what went down this dramatic season.

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs this season, and I think that's made us stronger as a cast," Ryan told us. "I think we've definitely gotten closer."

So does Paula feel like the baby sister? Do Randy and Simon really look after her like big brothers?

"I think you look after me," Paula said to Ryan, and gave him a hug.

"I knew she'd say that," Ryan laughed.

Okay, what about the whispering that's always going on between Paula and Simon during the show?

"What are you guys saying?" Randy also wanted to know.

"Whose hair looks better," joked Paula.

But according to Simon, "Half the time, it's this, 'What on earth can I say after that? I have no idea.' And then I say, 'Randy, say something interesting tonight, for once.'"

So what has this season meant to Simon? "It's been fun," Simon reflected. "I like the fact that you never know what's going to happen week to week, because the year that this becomes safe and predictable we have turned into 'Star Search.'"

So who do the judges think will be crowned this year's "Idol" -- Carrie or Bo?

"Bo throws caution to the wind when he performs," Paula noted. "He performs with reckless abandon, and you get the feeling that you didn't get gypped when you get a performance from Bo."

Simon agreed: "I think he's on a roll at the moment and he's carrying the live audience at the moment."

But Simon said at this point it's too close to call -- and that's a good thing for next week's finale, which promises to be the most exciting "Idol" yet!