Simon Cowell Reacts to L.A. Reid's 'X Factor' Exit, Bon Jovi Replacement Suggestion

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L.A. Reid shocked The X Factor viewers last week when, just one hour before showtime, he announced his exit from the Fox reality show after the season.

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"I have the utmost respect for Simon Cowell," Reid said Thursday. "He is the very best, and I have had the opportunity to learn so much from him. Working with him on X Factor has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm honored to have sat on the panel with such incredible talent."

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Asked by Access Hollywood who he'd like to see as his replacement on the series, the Epic Records chairman was quick to respond with someone from his Island label -- one whose tracks he has frequently used for season two contestant Tate Stevens: Jon Bon Jovi.

At a Monday press conference, Cowell addressed the suggestion with a typical non-answer: "Anything could happen, right?" he replied coyly.

Cowell also spoke out for the first time on Reid's impending exit, saying: "On a personal level, I'm going to miss him. On a business level, I'm also going to miss him."

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Reid was the first judge hired by Cowell for season one last year. He also was the only judge to survive a brutal X Factor bloodbath that saw fellow panelists Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones, fired prior to season two.

As the second season draws to a close, it remains unclear whether judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will stay on for a third season, already greenlighted by Fox. But if there's one thing Cowell's a pro at, it's keeping people guessing.

Email: Sophie.Schillaci@THR.com; Twitter: @SophieSchillaci