Despite the presence of Seth McFarlane, Matt Groening, David Kelley, and Tim Minear, every critic in the room knew what the biggest panel of the day was going to be at FOX's press tour day: American Idol. Between the charges that Simon and the other judges are being meaner than ever this year, and Paula is being loopier than ever, it promised to be a lively session. The tension built as we waited. And waited. And waited.When the session finally started, 45 minutes late (Simon apologized for that; he flew in late from London), the tired and cranky critics began clapping in unison, prompting Peter Liguiori to say, "I feel like I'm at a Black Sabbath concert." Then the big guns came out: Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, and Ryan Seacrest, accompanied by the show's executive producer, Ken Warwick.
Paula explained yet again why she was so loopy-seeming during that satellite broadcast, first by explaining what her environment is like during these things. "You're in a small room; you get up really early, and you look into a small camera. You don't see anyone. I did three hours of them. There were a couple of glitches; the very last one had tremendous technical difficulties. I heard split cities in my ear, but I thought it was all one groiup of people. 'Oh you're having like a party there!' I'm in a swivel chair and I'm swiveling and I'm very angry with my hands. What you were hearing wasn't exactly who I was answering a question to. And I was waiting for the technical difficulties to be fixed."
Uh, sure Paula... anyway, in support of his co-judge, Simon admitted in public for the first time that he was responsible for the "moths and melons" incident from last year, which only fed into everyone's perception that Paula was either drunk or crazy. "(During one episode) Paula said 'I don't know what to say,' and I said use a Chinese proverb." Randy chimed in: "He made that up!" He apologized for the incident; Paula was so appreciative she leaned over and gave him a kiss.
Randy quelled the "drunk" speculation by saying, "In the Coke cups are all Coca-Cola products!" Sure, Randy. Just because there's water and soda in those cups doesn't mean that there also isn't rum and/or Everclear in there, either.
OK, now on to the "crueler" Simon. "I take your point; it's a singing competition. Why would I say that someone's a bush baby?" But he defended himself by saying, "We never try to censor this show. There are times I watch it back and I think, 'God, I wish I never said that.' I feel more comfortable being on a show where we're prepared to show the warts as well as the good things."
Randy agreed. "It's season six; it's no different than it ever was."
Despite what has seemed like a difficult relationship between the three judges and their host, Simon -- that softie! -- sincerely thinks the interaction between the four of them is one of the key factors of the show. "I wouldn't do this show unless Paula, Randy and Ryan were on the same show. We all work well together. I don't want to work with boring people."
Of course, the other part is the singers. "We change people's lives for the rest of their lives," said Abdul. "And real superstars come out that way. It appeals to all demographics."
Other notes:
- Why do people come on the show if they know they're not as good as the people who have been on it in the past? Well, they don't know, even to this day. "It is part of the fun and wackiness of the show; people turn up to audition for Idol and in (just as in) real life auditions, they're terrible and they don't know it," says Simon. We will go and talk to everyone before we start filming, and tell them. 'If any of you aren't very good, chances are you're going to get a hard time and you should leave.'" Apparently everyone thinks they're good, because no one leaves.
- When the "William Hung" factor was mentioned -- that people get on just to get embarrassed on national TV -- Paula mentioned that they can sniff those folks out pretty well. They trick them by telling them they're great.
- There was a contestant who was recently discovered to have been in the Special Olympics, which Simon didn't know about when making his blunt remarks and sending him on his way. Warwick said it was impossible to screen for that kind of thing, given the number of contestants. Simon went a step further: "To suggest that, because somebody has done something like that, he can't enter the competition smacks of censorship. We can't be censors on the type of people (that enter). Randy had a bit of a different take: "Do you think William Hung is mad he came on the show? He is jumping up and down!"
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
1-20-2007 @ 10:26PM
chrissy said...
I dont like your comments to the contestent you are very rud
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1-21-2007 @ 12:53PM
Sharon said...
Simon and Randy have egos as big as the Grand canyon, Paula's just plain ditzy, but Idol is entertaining. My son got me hooked last year, and we're watching it this season also.I truly beleive that some of these people that can't sing at all, know what's going to happen to them on stage. Its their ten minutes of fame, and thats that! I think way too much is being made of the judges comments etc. There are a few that come on blindly, and a few that almost seem mentally challenged,but for the most part they know what they are doing, so give it a rest all you whiners!
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1-20-2007 @ 11:06PM
Gary said...
Chrissy...who are you talking too? What does "rud" mean? This story wasn't written by any of the IDOL judges.
Seriously though, the judges can be rude and make fun of the ppl who come in to audition because they know that it's all part of the show. Besides it's the producers that actually air the comments on TV.
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1-21-2007 @ 9:45AM
Vernon Webb said...
theses people were no bodies befor this show. Just let them go away like bad rubage
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1-21-2007 @ 7:00AM
Betty Lowden said...
For me, the enthusiasam for American Idol has subsided. The condescending remarks made by Simon are cruel and humilating. While some of these people may have talent, after waiting for many hours to display it, the stress and expectation take over. If this is a program for experienced performers, they should not accept applications from amateurs. I thought the concept of the show was to bring forth undiscovered talent instead of professionals trying to get a contract. I guess that is the reason I enjoy Nashville Star more. It does give everyone a chance. It is apparent the type of talent that Simon prefers, and it's not that they have a good voice. He needs to keep his rude, crude attitude where he belongs if he thinks the contestants in this country are such freaks.
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1-21-2007 @ 12:36AM
Pauline said...
I have never missed an american idol show. I will be missing the next several. The last two were so painful I couldn't finish watching. There was not any entertainment value. I may catch it up when the final 12 are chose;it's according to what I hear about the coming behavior. It's a shame. I have really enjoyed it in the past.
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1-21-2007 @ 12:37AM
Pauline said...
Whoever is responsible for what actually airs on the show needs to be fired. The editor needs to be replaced. This could go on and on .......
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1-23-2007 @ 1:17PM
Robert said...
Thank you for the review. The episode where Simon made fun of and the other judges seemed to laugh / humiliate the mentally handicapped contestant was simply wrong. Simon's comment that "To suggest that, because somebody has done something like that, he can't enter the competition smacks of censorship." No one had issue with either of the two young men entering the contest. The issue was with the show and the judges attempting to gain profits and ratings at the expense of two guys with disabilities (even mild ones). This was the first episode I have ever seen. I will not watch another. It has bothered me ever since.
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1-21-2007 @ 2:05AM
Heather said...
I auditioned for Idol, and them saying, "There was a contestant who was recently discovered to have been in the Special Olympics, which Simon didn't know about when making his blunt remarks and sending him on his way. Warwick said it was impossible to screen for that kind of thing, given the number of contestants."
When I auditioned in Memphis last year, 4 this season, I was shocked 2 find the many hidden truths 2 Idol & all that they don't show on tv. But...there were 18,000 at our turnout, Nigel, the British Producer came out & said it was the largest turnout of the season at that time. Yet...they also released at the end of the 4 days of auditions that you have to endure b4 you EVER go in front of Simon, Randy, & Paula...that 200 maybe got picked, and maybe 100 would be seen on tv & that amount was who would have to pay 2 come back to Memphis a month more later to get in front of the famous 3 judges. After all that paperwork & 4 rounds of auditions...b4 the actual audition that airs on tv, I do NOT agree that it's easy to miss something like that!
I was very heartbroken by what it turned out to be & learned very fast that it wasn't about the talent at all, as much as it was about them making fun of people or picking the ones that were dressed in costume.
They told us in the beginning, that they could pick as many as they wanted...and yet...only 200? hmm...200 verses 18,000...hmmmm Does that sound fair to you?
Oh & Paula Abdul & her explaining that her reasons for her actions were because of that room & day. How about those of us that had to stand hours on end, like my mom & I & so many other for example, from 4 am- 9 am in the bitter cold...not able to sit, ever, without being trampled on or people cutting. We were lucky we got there at 4am to get in line, if we'd waited til 6am as they requested, we wouldn't have made it in til 5pm that night. My mom said it was more strenuous & stressful than my wedding day, the auditions. And I was there for singing my entire life...as many others-that had so much talent...to be hopefully heard & given a chance. So when we'd see the clowns & costumes go instead of someone who sounded better than Whitney Houston & Mariah combined...it was a bit disheartening. So I don't care for Paula's reasons or whatever. I know she's paid her dues...but they shouldn't play with people's dreams like that. But they said if people knew the truth of what goes on at Idol, it'd ruin the surprise.
They weren't kidding when they said that. Many hearts & truly talented people weren't given a single chance. Some didn't even have to open their mouth to sing & they were picked, we all witnessed that. But it's what we should've expected I guess, being that it's tv & they do whatever for ratings.
But I don't regret the experience, I'm just grateful I got to experience it, & the memories we made down there with my family, during the whole deal.
And people don't realize that all those that are singing in front of Randy, Paula, & Simon, they've been through 4 rounds already, exhausting ones, a month or so before this moment 4 them, & told that they're good or what they're looking for...so yeah, you can imagine the shock or confusion or sadness when they're all of a sudden told no or told such horrible mean things. Like I said...it's all done up for tv & it's painful to see what they get away with.
I was told, "that was very good, but you're just not what we're looking for." & I've been told my entire life that I should always sing & follow it professionally. & I gave it my all, sang with all of my heart & soul. & the girl beside, she didn't even have to sing & Nigel came up & said, "Send her thru." JUST BY HER LOOK. She was a Kelly Pickler look alike. Nothing against that, but why would you want to put through what you've already had or seen, and also without even hearing them sing?!! made no sense to us. But again...tv ratings.
Then they told the rest of us no & we all had to walk, what we called the painful walk of shame. as a joke. But I cried so much...so much built hope & so many people back home expecting me to get it, because they'd all been begging me to try out for years. But I never thought a girl like me would ever get to go. & there I was...& within a quick moment it was all over...just like that.
But again, think of those poor ones that have endured all the rounds & all that cost to be there in front of Simon, Randy, & Paula and JUST to see Ryan...who also wasn't there til the others were.
Thanks for reading all of this, hope it wasn't too much for you.
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1-21-2007 @ 2:21AM
Margaret said...
Heather - thanks for sharing your experience. It was quite enlightening.
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1-21-2007 @ 3:12AM
Preston said...
I think that because a record label signed William Hung for his silly audition behind Idol's back is why critics lash at the show's constant showing of bad auditions. They didn't really give an honest answer to the press about the Hung factor--there are too many bad auditions creeping up on last week's American Idol.
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1-22-2007 @ 2:52PM
SJ said...
Heather, really sorry to hear that you had to go through such a painful experience.
As you said, AI's purpose is ratings and nothing else. They make fun of people and that's what makes so many people watch the show.
I was hoping the show's ratings would drop this season, but it's getting even bigger.
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1-21-2007 @ 5:27AM
Louise said...
Thanks for your post Heather, it's interesting and a bit disheartening to hear what goes on... 4 auditions b4 you get to the 'proper' audition. It does seem very sadistic to have people perform so many times to then have the official judges tell them they are crap.
Kinda makes me glad I know I can't sing a note...
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1-21-2007 @ 6:03AM
jim said...
my family and i have watched idol since he hit the airway. what a great shoe, showcasing singers of all types and talents. the show has progressed to an all time low when last week the last singer made his curtin call. in the end, he was panistakenly ripped apart and verbally torn apart by simmon. the singer should sue the show and demand a retarction.i stopeed watching the show and i have enciurged all my friends to do the same, untill the producers $$$$ start running a decent show like they did in the 1st season.
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1-21-2007 @ 6:31AM
Graeme said...
Lets get real people we all love a villain like Simon. Good or bad he's why so many tune in and in later rounds he's the only one with any constructive criticism unlike the timid Paula or "what's up dude" Randy.
You should blame the producers for what is aired they can edit out any offensive comments, if they so whish and note, Simon only has a go at those who think they are brilliant and who shouldn't have been put through in the first place.
What AI gives us is the top 1% who might make it and the producers pick of the worst whom they think may be entertaining whilst failing. The thousands of others who are quite/very good who never appear on screen should'nt feel let down, if its their real destiny to be entertainers there are so many openings waiting for them and best of luck to them all.
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1-21-2007 @ 7:25AM
Alene Brede said...
American Idol is not "above the law". The FCC has strict regulations regarding acceptable content on our public airways.
Here is the url to complain
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html
Join me in registering a complaint to the FCC for this obscenely disgusting abuse of our airwaves.
Publicly broadcasted attacks on a "protected class" such as the developmentally disabled is a violation of law and requires immediate action.
There were many auditions in Seattle...those clips were aired and singled out specifically to ridicule the disabled living in our communities "for fun". Of course had they not been aired, we never would have known how intensely cruel Simon and Paula had been in their treatment of those unfortunate victims.
Your voice matters. Don't just talk on the boards...Join me ...take action...
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1-21-2007 @ 8:09AM
courtney said...
The disturbing part of this whole thing is that they know that the humiliation and cruelty is part of what keeps the audience tuned in. What does that say about a lot of people? Nothing I want to know.
I watched a few episodes last year and found the judges to be the worst part of the hour(s) for me - so, I stopped watching - I don't personally get off on nastiness.
Here you have three adult people who have gotten filthy rich off their behavior towards a lot of people who just want to do something with their lives. They (the judges) are revolting to me.
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1-21-2007 @ 10:36AM
jp said...
Complaining to the FCC? Give me a break! Hit them where it hurts, turn it off and contact the sponsors of the show about your concerns. You are more likely to find a sympathetic person at Coca-Cola, Ford, or one of the other big names than sponsor the show than you will to get real action from the feds.
I don't have a problem with the show, it's been on for years and it has always been this way. If you don't know what it's about then you deserve what you get. I have always felt that many of the obviously bad folks just want their 15 minutes of fame. If you are obviously mentally disabled in some way as those two guys were in Seattle, then someone in their family or one of their friends had a responsibility to discourage them. This show is watched by 40+ million people. You can't tell me the "I can't believe they would be so mean" contestants didn't know what this show is about.
This first part is mostly a modern freak show like you would find in a circus decades ago.
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1-21-2007 @ 11:19AM
La-di-dah said...
A big deal out of nothing at all: 1. everyone of the contestants know what they are getting into. EVERY. ONE. 2. Why is the public judging that the 2 buddies-on-queue contestants are "obviously" mentally disabled (I cannot confirm where Linda Sharp of Don't Get Me Started got her information, but reference her for more information about those two and what they are up to these days).
For one, it sounds to me like the public is also classifying and emoting based on looks too. For another, I don't feel sorry for any of them and will laugh to what's funny or decry what's a bad poke. I can't make myself feel sorry for people who are making use of the media machinery - obviously, they are not "disabled" enough. And obviously, they have the public where they want them - wrapped around their fingers and feeling sorry for them.
(And here, I daresay involving the FCC is like maliciously calling Children's Services). Agreed - the producers are spinning AI out of control. It is working - everyone is talking about it (even me, after vowing - I. WILL. NOT. BE. MANIPULATED). They too know exactly what they are doing. The best revenge if you disagree with the show is NOT. TO. WATCH. IT.
Period.
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1-21-2007 @ 1:36PM
Bobbie said...
I thought AI was entertaining and the objective was to search for a talented singer. Humm.. it was disturbing to see the judges make fun of the contestants. No one could choose how they want to be born!!.. the talent is in singing and making fun of their voice for entertainment sake is probably a better way to handle the show than to make fun of a person for his looks. Truth hurts but being humulated for ones looks is worst!! Hope the judges realize this and could be more focus on the voice than appearance!!
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