Simon says a woman will win

Simon Cowell believes a woman is likely to win his final season on “American Idol.”

The acerbic British judge told a teleconference last week he thinks one of the 12 women among the ninth season’s 24 semifinalists has a good shot to win the Fox singing contest.

“We’ve had a few years of guys winning the show, and I would say there is definitely a better chance of a girl winning the show this year, certainly, than last year,” he said.

Whatever the gender, Cowell, who will leave at the end of the season to executive produce and judge an American edition of “The X Factor,” just wants to crown someone relevant.

“I’d love to find a Taylor Swift,” he said.

Lady Gaga is his top pick as a music industry mentor to guide this season’s contestants, which include platinum-haired crooner Lilly Scott and throwback rocker Tyler Grady. Cowell called the outrageous Gaga the “most relevant pop artist in the world right now.”

Past mentors have included Gwen Stefani, Dolly Parton, Jamie Foxx and Quentin Tarantino.

As far as his replacement goes, Cowell said a couple of folks have already asked him for his gig, but they were both “boring.”

The boy is back in town

Kris Allen is making his first appearance on “American Idol” since winning last year, to help raise money for earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

As part of the “Idol Gives Back” charity effort, Allen traveled to Haiti with the United Nations Foundation. He’ll share video from his visit and sing on tonight’s episode.

The birthday bunch

Actor-director Peter Fonda is 70. Musician Johnny Winter is 66. Actress Patricia Richardson (“Home Improvement”) is 59. Actress Kristin Davis is 45. Actor Marc Price (“Family Ties”) is 42. Actress Niecy Nash is 40. Actress Emily Blunt is 27. Actress Dakota Fanning is 16.