Simon Cowell participated in a brief conference call this afternoon to talk about the upcoming seventh season of FOX's American Idol, and apparently a few completely unrelated topics as well. It was a strict question and answer format, so topics ranged from the style of the contestants to Simon's opinions of the current crop of Presidential candidates here in the US.The "I'm not trying to be rude, but..." judge spoke confidently about the talent in this season's crop of contestants, stating that he felt the show was obligated to bring a better product to the screens than we had last year. Their job was to find better contestants and a stronger Top Twelve and he thinks they pulled it off.He also acknowledged that they will strive for more of a balance between the celebrity mentors (screen hogs!) and the contestants themselves, which I heartily agree with. When asked pointedly if he agreed that it was a mistake last year, he responded by asking what we knew about last season's winner (Jordin Sparks). He feels the show didn't let the audience inside the lives of that batch of contestants. More time should have been spent talking about where they were from, what their passions and hobbies were and humanizing them for their fans a bit more.
Here are a few more points that came up during the call
- On his thoughts on former winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks both being dropped by their label, he merely commented that it is indicative of the volatility of the record industry. "We've gotten it right more than we got it wrong."
- On if he has any favorites this season, Simon said that luckily there are three our four very strong guy contestants and three or four strong girl contestants. He says the field is wide open and that while he has an idea on who could make the finale he wouldn't spill.
- On whether or not Idol could exist without him and if he had an idea on when he might call it quits, he reiterated that his thoughts have been to see out his contract (through 2009), and do a nine season run, but even that's not definite. He says it's really up to when the people decide they're sick of him and/or are growing tired of the show. He figures the ride can only last so long, but definitely believes the show can survive without him, saying it would "probably get better."
- SPOILER! probably because I'm sure we'll see it. Apparently Fantasia Barrino's brother auditioned and was terrible, to the point the judges were questioning whether he was really her brother.
- It is "becoming increasingly like torture" to endure the horrible first rounds of auditions year after year, but in the end it's all worth it when the good talent rises to the top and they can crown their new winner.
- He's disappointed in the anemic sales of Jordin Sparks' and Blake Lewis' (1st runner up last year) debut albums, but again hearkens to the unpredictability of the industry. And probably a bit on the show's failure to help America connect more with the contestants last season.
- He believes it's not too late for Britney Spears. She's the most searched singer on the Internet so the interest is there. But she definitely needs help and she's welcome to call him any time.
- He has no strong feelings on the writers' strike as he doesn't know the particulars well enough to comment. He feels, however, that it doesn't impact their show as it's still up to them to produce the best show possible, regardless of what the competition is or isn't airing.
- He doesn't think Hillary's tears have harmed her campaign any. He thinks this is one of the most exciting Presidential races in years and is impressed with several candidates from both sides. He's looking forward to watching it unfold, but predicts a Democrat will win the Presidency.
- When he was asked a question from a representative of Bloomberg News, he asked "Can you answer a question?" He then asked her "Is your boss going to run for President?" The answer was "He says 'No.'" to which Simon replied laughing, "That means he is."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-24-2008 @ 11:02AM
wanda said...
he is being just to nice,i like the old way,thats what made this....
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1-24-2008 @ 11:14AM
wanda said...
GO BACK TO BEING YOU
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1-24-2008 @ 11:39AM
Dottie said...
Simon is the "Only" reason that I watch American Idol - He is intelligent, and give his knowledgeable judgement on contestants - (sometimes a little tough for them to hear), but he is honest, and 99% right when selecting the best ones to move up for the competition. He has created numerous other shows & groups which are totally successful, along with Am. Idol.
People can't handle criticism even when it is constructive.
Due to these complaints; Simon seems to have become less passionate which I miss - but I do agree it is not right to make comments on some personal physical oddities.
To me, Simon is Hot in every way, and if I were 25 years younger it would have been my dream to meet, know & date him. THANKS for everything Simon...
P.S.: The comment #9 from Ives, should be wiped off this site, mainly due to the stupidity & use of language.
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1-09-2008 @ 3:49PM
David said...
Simon is the man. Without Simon, AI would be too cloying to watch.
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1-09-2008 @ 4:03PM
Oreo said...
What's the point of this? Every year they go "We have the best group ever!" If last year's group sucked they would say... "This year's is a wonderful improvement over last years" If they were good the year before... "Last year we had a great group, but I think we top them this year!"
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1-09-2008 @ 9:04PM
sitruc said...
If the brother is Rico Barrino, I believe you. That damn "Bubble Gum" song has been stuck in my head for more than a year now and his name puts "I'm Rich" in my head as well. (Thankfully, I only heard those songs when in the Carolinas and mainly around Charlotte.) Thanks TVSquad. What are the rules for AI? He's had a couple of moderately successful singles. Isn't he with a label?
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1-10-2008 @ 9:44AM
rick cokely said...
Should have just kept it simple like Heidi Klume "Same s***, different people."
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1-10-2008 @ 10:18AM
Tristan said...
SIMON is godly, totally rocks my socks. I cant wait for IDOL this year.
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1-10-2008 @ 5:05PM
CARRIE said...
IDOL FANS CHECK THIS OUT:
http://techtogo.com/product_detail.asp
SO MUCH FUN!
Reply
1-11-2008 @ 11:43PM
Karen said...
The reason why I love Simon so is, he's so truthful. Last season we got more information on the guest than the contestants themselves. Who knows it may work out better for both Jordin and Blake!?!?!? I know they both has very good CD's out. Hope they get some face time on AI to prove it.
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1-17-2008 @ 2:01PM
SamsSong said...
Every season I have tried my best to watch American Idol. I have yet to get through a full show. They spend too much time on the no talent contestants, the commentary by Simon and the others, which by the way is puzzling to say the least. Granted once in a while they do have some exceptional talented people, but they are far and few between. I suppose it gives for good television to have the non talented to give the panel something to do and justify their abrupt comments.
I really don't think this panel could handle an all talented show from the start. It would be nice though to have such a show where it would be a real contest from the start. All the performers starting out on an equal level. Wow, that would be hard to cast votes for the best. But it sure would be nice to listen to these talented folks. I bet they would even perform beyond their best knowing that the competion is talented.
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1-17-2008 @ 11:58PM
ives said...
Hey you Simon. Your a mother fucker. im totaly from another country. I watch you and your other 2 friends judge but you people are so sick. You might be knowing music but that does not mean you fool people. Fine you may not like the way he or she sings or the song that the person has selected. But is that the way you tease people. You and your fucking friends son and daughter of bitches. how the fuck you foold that guy who came with that big white and silver coat dress. he dedicated a song for you but all three of you took him for a joke and fooled him when he was singing. You fuckers never will be blessed by god. I pray that god will take away you peoples music talent. You fucking idiots and assholes get lost and hang yourself for getting a coment like this from a outside country guy. Mother fuckers...........
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