American Idol will air its 15th and final season on FOX next spring, and Simon Cowell is now speaking about the end of the competition series he helped start back in 2002. He spent ten years behind the judging panel before he moved onto The X Factor. Next up for Cowell is America’s Got Talent. TV Series Finale reported earlier this week that he will help judge the talent series next season.

Cowell has only good memories about his time on American Idol. In the beginning, he was joined by Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. All three of the original judges are gone now. USA Today shared Cowell’s statements his time on the series.

“It was an important part of my life for nearly 10 years. When I look back on it, I always think about (inaugural winner) Kelly Clarkson, what an important role she played, that she did turn up Year 1, that she did win and that she’s gone on to have an amazing career. And is one of the nicest contestants I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. You get quite nostalgic when you think about those times. It is the artists that give you your lasting memory of it. I had the time of my life. When it started, we didn’t think it would do well and it did do well. You have to pinch yourself.”

Cowell also revealed that he does plan to attend the finale next spring. He even joked about a role he could play in the finale, and it is a role that would surprise many fans of Cowell and the reality series. He wants to clean up the stage after the last note is sung and the winner is announced.

“I’ve suggested that it ends with me sweeping the floor. I kind of want a cameo role. I’m sure I’ll be there on the night. And it’s going to be an emotional night. It’s going to bring back a lot of good memories. I’m very grateful for what (Idol) did for my career, that we found some amazing artists. But the (finale) night belongs to the people who are currently on the show.”

Would you like to see Simon Cowell play a role in the American Idol finale next May? Tell us what you think.