Simon Cowell Tells it like It is: American Idol
By DarlingGirl
@DarlingGirl (745)
United States
May 15, 2007 7:36pm CST
As i watch American Idol, from beginning to end, I'm struck by the passivity of the other judges who star with Simon Cowell, and amazed that Simon always seems to tell it like it is.
I've seen the series sporadically because I get angry when contestants don't take Simon's criticism to heart!
He's been established for a long, long time in the music industry under EMI and BMG, so he knows what's going to sell and what won't!
I have participated in the music industry from time to time, and have perfect pitch. It comes with a high price: having the ability to hear every slightly-off note, every nuance of dynamics (volume) and every rhythmic mess-up.
When Randy and Paula snap to congratulate a singer, Simon always has something constructive to say. Whether or not he gets the time enough to explain his criticism is usually a fault, for I think Simon would like to say that he liked a performance, but "this,this,this and this," could have been better.
I don't just like Simon because he's the "odd man out" or the fellow who we can always depend upon to hate - far from it: I recognise his truthfulness and the challenge he faces when he tells a performer how to improve.
I'm sure there are lots of Simon haters out there in the world, but I'd like to know if you like him or hate him, and why.
Am I loony for liking his efforts?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
19 May 07
In all fairness, Simon has been on this show long enough to know that he is likely to be cutoff before he gets a chance to give his full critism. Yet he still leads with humorous or reaction-getting responses and then responds to the crowd and scoffs at Paula or whatever. It is his own fault (or maybe even the producers) that he doesn't get to say all that would be helpful.
With that said, I like him too, I appreciate his input and I too would like to hear more of it but he is playing the 'let's get the best ratings' game, like the rest of them. Being hated is part of the show these days and he plays to it. Do you really think he is all about helping these singers improve for a better career? No, he is mostly about improving his own career.... let's be real about it.
I used to have a friend with perfect pitch and the like, as you describe. He talked about having to absolutely leave the room when certain tv commercials came on because the pitch would go right to the center of his head. Your blessing and gift can also be a curse, can't it?
1 person likes this
@DarlingGirl (745)
• United States
20 May 07
Ohhhh, yeah. It's horrible. No matter where I go, even when I'm out listening to a band, it happens. These days it's only the consummate professional that makes me truly happy.
@DarlingGirl (745)
• United States
20 May 07
Oh, and the commercial your friend has a problem with -- could it be the "Vonage" commercial with the "Woohoo, woohoohoohoo!..Whoohoo, whoohoohoo..." I think it's the Japanese band from "Kill Bill", if I'm not mistaken. They're horrifically off-key until the second chorus. ;)
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
20 May 07
Thank you for the best response.
I acutally haven't heard from this friend since a couple of years after we finished college. Life took us in different directions.
I have tried and tried with no to remember the commercials he complained about... it was back in the 80's.
@rolincenter (99)
• Philippines
19 May 07
I like Simon because he's frank and direct. Though, I believe there are better ways to say negative criticisms, in order that the contestant would really appreciate what he means. Such should be case, because what we have seen are instances when contestants try to beef up their personality and be able to ignore or at least, be passive, on Simon's comments.
@roniroxas (10560)
• Philippines
19 May 07
what you said is true, people see Simon as a heartless critic, but actually he is a person with a good heart. telling a contestant of American Idol whats not good on their performance is a treat so you will not do it again. just like lakisha, shes been down for three weeks but when Simon got satisfied on the Bon Jovi song she gave Lakisha a kiss for Lakisha deserves it.
why are you going to tell a person that she is great if you really heard that it was pitchy.
he has a good ear, as for paula well she is so scared to critisize. so scared to hurt the contestants feelings.
@Gorgeous24 (1091)
• United States
16 May 07
I like Simon Cowell because he tells the contestants what America is thinking. If people think he is being harsh or negative then dont watch the show. American Idol has been on for awhile now when the contestants sign up for the show they already know what there getting themselves into so they shouldnt act surprised or even hurt when he tells them something they dont want to hear.
