(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Paula Abdul says working with Simon Cowell again is like being on a "turbo-charged bike".

The 49-year-old American recording artist and choreographer worked with the British music mogul on hit talent show American Idol between the years 2002 and 2009.

Paula joined the panel alongside Simon in 2002, before leaving the popular show after eight seasons.

The pair are starring alongside each other again on the judging panel for the highly-anticipated US X Factor, where they will judge budding singers with Nicole Scherzinger and LA Reid.

Paula has likened her working relationship with Simon to a fast-paced ride.

"Sitting down, it was like getting on a bike again," she told ET Online. "[Except on] a new path and with a turbo engine on the bike."

Meanwhile, Nicole insists that her role in the show is motivated by her genuine compassion for the contestants. The star, who replaced British songstress Cheryl Cole on the panel after she was sensationally axed from the line-up, was part of a reality TV girl group Eden's Crush before finding fame with Pussycat Dolls.

"I'm definitely coming from a place of empathy and compassion," she said.

"Being a part of the show is like a phenomenon. This is something no one's ever seen before."

US X Factor premieres next month on FOX. (C) Cover Media