Entertainment TV Paula Abdul's Take on 'Idol' 's New Judges: 'They're Fantastic' The former judge praises newbies Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler By Aili Nahas Aili Nahas Aili Nahas is the West Coast Deputy News Editor at PEOPLE. She is also the TV deputy in Los Angeles as well as the Weddings Editor. Aili has spent nearly two decades in the entertainment industry and 12 years at PEOPLE. People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 1, 2011 03:00 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: CBS The new season of American Idol is underway – with its two new judges – and at least one famous fan approves. Paula Abdul, who co-judged the show for eight seasons before she left in 2009, says of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, “They’re both fantastic.” Abdul hasn’t yet seen the new show or had the opportunity to speak with Tyler or Lopez but says, “They’re seasoned veterans. They know what they’re doing.” As far as the playful love-hate relationship she had with Simon Cowell, who ended his run as judge last season, Abdul says the two stay in touch. “That voice is permanently embedded in my brain,” she says jokingly. And Abdul, who is currently executive producing and serving on the expert panel for the CBS reality dance competition Live to Dance, holds Idol memories dear. “I have nothing but a debt of gratitude [for the show],” she says. “There are aspects of it that I will always treasure.”