Simon and Paula Reunited: How It Almost Didn't Happen!

It's a good thing Paula Abdul is officially onboard as an "X Factor" judge, because creator Simon Cowell said he wouldn't show up if her deal with FOX wasn't signed!

"I said you know what? If she's not here on Sunday you might as well cancel today, 'cause I'm not turning out without her," Cowell told "Extra" correspondent Terri Seymour on Sunday at the first "X Factor" audition taping in L.A. "This has gone on long enough and I want the deal done."

And it was, with Abdul signing the dotted line on Saturday. She told Terri she's just glad she's reuniting with her old "American Idol" pal. "It's like a long time coming. The crazy part of our relationship is that you can't prepare for anything. It is what it is." Abdul added, "We'll be passionately in love and hate with each other. It's just the way it goes with us."

Cowell now has his "X Factor" super team in place -- with music producer L.A. Reid and British pop sensation Cheryl Cole rounding out the panel, and British TV personality Steve Jones and Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger as co-hosts.

Cole described her relationship with Cowell. "There are times when I don't agree with him and he really doesn't like it. But that's my opinion and that's why he wanted us on the show so you just have to like it or lump it."

Will Simon still be harsh or has he changed? "I don't take a pill to dictate what I'm gonna do," the judge quipped.

"The X Factor" premieres on FOX this fall.