We told you earlier about FOX announcing that ‘American Idol’ will be calling it quits next year after 15 successful seasons. Following the word spreading, original show judge Paula Abdul interviewed with Access Hollywood and dished on her thoughts of why she thinks Idol was cancelled.

Her not so surprising response is pretty spot on as she revealed that she feels she left at the highest peak of the show when the ratings were blockbuster. Then with Simon Cowell leaving shortly after her and Randy Jackson leaving just two seasons ago, the fans could not connect the way they used to.

She says although the current crop of judges have done great something was still missing that the public was familiar with.

Simon also opened up on Monday about the news of the cancellation. He tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement:

“We had a blast! Me, Paula, Randy, Ryan – and not forgetting Brian. Thanks to the fans we were able to make some great shows and found some amazing artists. Fox took a risk on a brand new show and I want to thank them for giving us the opportunity. They really were great times.”

During a conference call Monday morning, Fox chairmen and CEOs Gary Newman and Dana Walden told reporters that they wanted to end Idol in a way that felt “celebratory and treated the show as it deserved to be treated. … It is going to be a true, season-long celebration.”

That leaves many speculating if Paula, Simon and Randy will return for the final season.

“We would welcome any of them back,” Walden told reporters. “We’re having conversations about anything you can imagine about what would be celebratory, what would feel nostalgic, and anything you might do to send the show off in a way that feels memorable.”

Check out Paula’s thoughts below.