Simon Cowell: 'They Are Doing a Good Job' With 'Idol'

By Denise Warner Posted Mar 17th 2011 03:00PM

Simon Cowell left 'American Idol' last year to bring 'X Factor' to the States, but that doesn't mean there's love lost for the former judge.

We asked Cowell, through e-mail, if he was still watching the show he made into a juggernaut, and he said yes.

"I did see some parts of it," he responded. "And I think they are doing a good job. It's a different show to last year and the one before that."

But he added, "Really, when I think of the days I most loved on 'Idol' is when it was Randy, Paula and I. That's how I always think of 'Idol.'"

Simon also explained that he'd love to work with Paula again ("She's great and I think she's really got good taste in music"), that he would never follow Piers Morgan's footsteps and do his own talk show and what he would say to Charlie Sheen given the chance.

Tell us why you wanted to bring 'X Factor' to 'America.'
I genuinely think America has some of the best talent in the world and I think we can find a star. If I didn't I wouldn't be doing this. The 'X Factor' is a show, which we launched, and it effectively took over from 'Idol' about seven years ago in the U.K. It's very different being a judge on a show, which I was on 'Idol' obviously, to being on a show which you launch. I wanted to see older people competing with groups competing with teenagers and that's what this show is. Basically with 'The X Factor,' we are removing all the usual restrictions, you can be any age over 12, any style or genre of music and a group or a solo artist.

Can you explain how it's different from 'Idol'?
It's a very different show to 'Idol' and all other similar shows. Obviously the rules are different -- and I got rid of most of the rules! I wanted older people to enter, and young kids -- so you can be 12 or up. Kids that age are a new generation and there's a lot of talent in all age groups now. Look at Susan Boyle for example, a different show but she's one of the biggest selling artists in the world. You kind of have to see the show to know how different it is, but I guarantee you won't have seen anything like it!

Are you still watching 'Idol'? If so, what do you think of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez?
You know what, I'm back in the U.K. now, but I did see some parts of it when I was over there last week, and I think they are doing a good job. It's a different show to last year and the one before that.

Do you miss it?
Really, when I think of the days I most loved on 'Idol' is when it was Randy, Paula and I. That's how I always think of 'Idol.'

Will you ever work with Paula Abdul again?
I'd like to, yes. She's great and I think she's really got good taste in music -- most of the time! And she gets excited about new artists and music and that's important, especially for a show like 'The X Factor' where, as judges, you have to mentor your contestants in the finals. I don't know if she will be on the judging panel, we are still working that out, but we are talking to her, yes -- it's not just my decision!

Would you ever consider following fellow former talent competition judge Piers Morgan's lead and do your own interview show?
No!

What would you say to Charlie Sheen, given the chance?
Actually I think he's in a bad place right now -- but at the same time he looks like he is enjoying the attention. I watched a DVD of 'Wall Street' the other day and they had an interview with him at the end, he was incredibly smart and articulate. You watch him now and it's as if he is talking in another language.

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Tags: american idol, simon cowell, x factor

Comments

(20)

Thursday 17 March

By tracey

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Well done Simon as usual you are spot on.Miss you on idol ..it's definately different but still good.Miss your sense of humour!

By Polar Patrol

Have to disagree. It's not good anymore without a voice of reason like Simon. Now they heap praise on everyone even if the performance blew. Casey attempting Nirvana, perfect example - UGH.

By becky

oh my...i was thinking the same thing. Not a Casey fan anyway, but he could sing Mary had a little Lamb and the judges would go crazy with the praise. Not a very good year for Idol....IMHO

Sunday 20 March

By Sunday

@Polar Patrol ~ Oh, yes - I agree.Idol definitely NEEDS a voice of reason, and there doesn't seem to be one. I absolutely hated Casey's version of Nirvana. If Simon were judging that night, he would have said something along the lines of "Casey, that was an awful screaming version of Nirvana! And it was self-indulgent to boot!"
What I would like to know is...What happened to Steve Tyler's humor we saw during the auditions? All of a sudden, now that the show is Live, he clammed up! Tyler contributes absolutely nothing by way of constructive criticism! *sigh*

By adamyaz

This season, Randy started by giving an honest reflection of the performance while the other 2 were heaping praise. Now all 3 are telling everyone that they are great and that this is the best season ever. It's far from it and someone needs to start telling these singers that they leave a lot to be desired.

By Karoke

This season is the worst so far because all of the singers are just karoke or high school talent show types. None is good enough to win. They will have another forgettable winner like what's his name and what's his name from the past 2 years. And J-Lo is useless and Steven is too nice. I can't watch/listen anymore - it's a waste of time.

By Greg King

I'm way happier with this year's approach. Simon(and I enjoyed him, don't get me wrong)had a very narrow personal interpretation of what an Idol should be, and it stunted variety as a result. And I burnt out on the weekly humiliation a long time ago. The new judges are bonafide legendary music icons offering honest, positive, and caring support for what I think is the best diverse set of vocals in the history of the show. So much better.....

By Hmmm

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Which will probably be what happens too the X Factor.

By AmericanKaroke

American I-Dull sucks this year. None of the singers are good enough to win. They are all karoke singers. And Jenifer Lopez is boring and Tyler is too nice. Won't be watching anymore.

By Homer

...I'm with you, bro. The judging panel is 'insipid.' The contestants are mediocre, at best. It is just not an entertaining show.

I would have thought... that with the success of 'So you think you can dance' - with its candid, honest, critique of (truly) talented youngsters - Nigel would have applied the same formula to the judging panel here at 'Idol.' As it is now, the endless phony accolades just demean the audience (who clearly see/hear otherwise) and do no favors for the young talent they bamboozle with false praise.

By bobbyeve

Pia Toscano is overrated. Carrie Underwood returned to Idol to sing "I'll Stand By You" and nailed it.
Pia is pure karaoke.

By Me Again

The only thing I miss about him is his accent but wish him well whatever he does.

By SANDRA

Love you Simon and miss your charisma and honesty. Will watch x factor just to support you.
Sandra

By Pamela

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Enough with singers. How many do you want. We have too many right now and they can't really sing like Barbara, Frank, Areitha, Celine. They just scream for the little kids to buy their albums. Simon go back to England and stay there with you businesses.

By Rosylin

Mr. Cowell shoud seek the genius tslent of Marcus Simeone.Simply Google Marcussimeone ( singer).Guarentied to delight and excite!

You, and Mr. Cowell obviously, haven't heard Marcus Simeone....Just Google him...you will argree..he's as talented as Streisand, Carpenter, Fitzgerald, Mathis,Etc.

By Nadine

I think the show is perfect this year.. the talent is really good and the contestants are giving their all in their performances. I predict James will be the winner. Think he really is in it to win it and shows it everytime he performs.

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You miss his candid critique of the contestants, as well.

(..if you're being honest)

By Mike

Hands down the most talentless season of Idol EVER.

There are no appealing story lines, no unique INTERESTING charactors.............. and ZERO TALENT.

I used to love that show, now i quit watching.

By Laura

Miss you Lots Simon,Loved you from day One On Idolyour a very smart man , I love a man as honest and fisty as you. I will def. watch your new show the X Factor. Can't wait.

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