Eyeing X Factor, Is Simon Cowell Deliberately Sabotaging American Idol?
The hot new dance in Idolmania forums is the Season Nine Hate-Rag -- we shuffle, pout, call the talent pool a worthless bunch of nervous tickers, boo, turn it all about, and blame Ellen DeGeneres too. That seems valid in the broad strokes, but my latent conspiratorial sense wonders if Simon Cowell hasn't concocted this ennui himself. After season nine's coronation ceremony, the 50-year-old judge will leave Idol for next fall's American debut of X Factor, which he produces and has a financial stake in. Wouldn't a muddled ninth season of Idol give X Factor a better chance to shine? Have we already forgotten that the original UK version of X Factor effectively wiped out Pop Idol after Cowell jumped ship? Ahead of tonight's episode, we postulate three ways The Underwhelmed One may be cutting down Kelly Clarkson's alma mater after the jump.
1. Devaluing DioGuardi
Simon's never struck a magnificent brotherhood with his co-panelists, but he seems to harvest a particular antagonism with handsy colleague Kara DioGuardi. Simon dismissed her criticisms of Andrew Garcia's "Gimme Shelter" rendition and Paige Miles's "Walk Away" with memorable acidity. He regularly deflects Kara's coos with a turned cheek. But most of all, he just doesn't do much to bolster Kara's consistency as a judge, and his unceremonious monotone always renders Kara's monologues contrived in comparison. He's not known for playing Mr. Nice Guy, but Simon hardly seems interested in playing on the same field as the songwriting panelist.
Of course, such a slight implies a scheme to invigorate interest in a different X Factor judge, like Paula Abdul. Perhaps Simon thinks the best way of currying favor on Abdul's behalf (if she is to be hired, which I still suspect will happen despite her wacky salary demands) is to underrate DioGuardi. Speaking as a viewer, the plan may be working.
2. Skimping on the Starpower and Spectacle
Don't let the prevailing season-nine gestalt sway you: Crystal Bowersox is one of the most talented performers in the history of Idol. Additionally, Siobhan Magnus ranks among the show's most original talents, and Didi Benami boasts subversive smarts. They all intrigue. Otherwise, season nine is marked by a startling dearth of stage presence, Idol's signature power. As I browse through X Factor's explosive performances in the UK, I realize Simon hasn't lost his touch for finding bona fide stars like Leona Lewis or Joe McElderry. I can only imagine the American revamp will mirror that franchise's blast of ready-made pop icons. Whether or not the music is better seems irrelevant -- X Factor's garish spectacle and doe-eyed cherubs are more compulsively watchable than Idol's unending acoustic medley. In fact, if X Factor's first US season is anything like the last UK one, Idol's ninth season could be deemed forgettable.
3. A Firm Disinterest
Even as Bowersox racks up the best Idol performances week after week, Simon's praises for the busking talent seem muted at best. He's not falling over himself to bow at her feet like he did with Leona Lewis, X Factor's prime find. This could be coincidence, or it could be that Simon's escalated fervor will return on X Factor and remain present throughout the season. While we wait for Idol to pick up steam, it seems only right to wait with greater anticipation for the potentially more seismic X Factor -- along with Simon's own revived showmanship.
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Comments
At last, someone else realised it. While the talent is not great this year, Simon would never in a million years be behaving so unimpressed and downright bored if he had signed a further three year contract.
Bingo!! and well done!
This article has a lot wrong with it.
First off, X Factor isn't coming THIS fall. It'll be on the fall of 2011 - after a 10th season of Idol.
This year he's agreeing with Kara a lot, and has been very cuddly with her. I don't know why you think he's been standoff-ish, because that's the opposite of reality.
His role on X Factor is quite different than Idol. On X Factor, he can sign the people himself, since he's a producer. In Idol, he doesn't have that stake, since he's NOT a producer and is just a judge.
Magnus is grossly overrated. She BUTCHERED "Paint it Black" by the Stones, but all anyone remembers is that unbearable screaming at the end. She MURDERED the song up to that ridiculous screaming at the end.
I loved Siobhan's rendition of "Paint It Black"! It was the first time I could really appreciate the lyrics of the song to the fullest.
Wait a minute: Did you just call Joe McElderry a bona fide star? Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
hey I'm idol fan since the beginning love the show but i must say since paula left the show hasn't been the same ..........kara is ok she can never be a paula ,ellen don't belong there's no connection she is a tv jhost thats it funny and times but not an american idol judge, the show has changed and if simon leaves the season i think that many viewers will stop watching Randy and simon i feel have the best knowledge about whats going on.....this american idol season has been the worst talent i ever seen the best is lee casey and crystal..........I think that bryan is running his mouth a little for to free..........i hope all comes together........my best to all....Hey one request , the voice lee carry's he should be singing Bryan adam songs.........
boot simon off american idol
Why would he sabatage his own show???? He has a big hand in Idol. As far As Ellen being there. She does belong there she brings the humor that helps relax the contestants. I have notice that this has been the most layed back season I have ever seen. People relate to Ellen like she is the favorite Aunt type that you value her opinion.
Randy and mostly Simon really know what sounds good Ellen plays along and Kara mimics whomever spoke before her, when Simon leaves it will go down the others don't know what they are doing he does know music no matter if he is sarcastic or not and he has the money to make each of them a star but they dont listen to him. Who wants to tune in next year and listen to a bunch of judges who follow one persons lead. It will come down to Crystal and I think Lee but as long as it is not Siobhan as all she has down pat is screaming, I have been watching it from the first year and the entertainers that come in are great but the singers ?????????????
ohh my , i am done with idol , i am SICK of all the 13 yr old girls voting not on talent just there little sick crushes
Lee needs to sing Nickelback songs. But we all know the winner is Crystal. No one else comes close. I also am fed up with all the tweens voting on their crushes! BRING BACK LILLY!!!!!
I think the show is doomed, not because of Simon but the talent they are recruiting is not the best. I enjoy Aaron because he really gives it his all. A sixteen year old with drive I admire... While there is some talent this year it has really failed to produce a real standout...however it is still early in the year...
I love how Simon tells it like it is and most of the time even gives very helpful criticism. There have been a few times, i.e., the twins from a few seasons back...Simon commented on their weight...that's unnecessary criticism. They were beautiful girls and not very big at all. Sometimes he goes too far but most of the time he is right on the money!
What is up with the Ryan and Simon craziness going on this season. Why is Ryan all up in Simon's face. Ryan is JUST the host and he is acting like he is the STAR?
Simon is just telling it like it is. I love Ellen, but she is much better on her talk show than she is on American Idol (Sorry Ellen).
I think the panel made some big mistakes picking the top 24. There were some others that appeared to be able to sing much better. I guess they pick them based on what will make a good show and not just on their singing ability. American Idol will not be same once Simon leaves.
Simon and Kara need to mature! While the contestants are waiting for the results, those two are acting like children on the panel. Several camera shots validate their behavior. Have respect for the contestants.
Also, America is tried of the Ryan and Simon "who will bust who" conversation. Try some appropriate conversation for the show! Also, it is quite obvious who Ryan favors. He will provide more air time, time for the voters to know the contestant, by maintaining conversation.
One more item, Oh it was so rude of Kara to attack someone's intelligence. Happened when she said, "I believe he may not understand what we are saying, do you understanding". Does she think so highly of herself to feel comfortable enough to put others beneath her on national TV?
Thank goodness for for the rest of the judges.
Ryan thinks he is being funny raging on Simon. He comes across like someone who is in need of being noticed. Simon tells it like it is and he is right on. Randy is great also. Ellen tries to be funny and soft. Kara does know what she is talking about most of the time.
Forget about bashing everybody else. RYAN SEACREST is the biggest loser on the show and is becoming more of a pain in the 'you know what' every week. He is constantly trying to make Simon and the others look bad because of what they say. Are these not 'opinions' being expressed by the judges. Who is Ryan to want them to explain themselves?? And how about the way he badgered Didi the previous night about why that song was so important to her. It was clear she didn't want to take about it, but he just wouldn't let it alone. He is a total A-Hole!!!
They should get rid of him!!!!
I have read all of the comments from last night's show
and i agree with all of you....the show is a flop without
simon. Talent is low I am a big Idol fan and often watch
the show to see the young people get better as weeks go buy.
I love crystal..but i think she would be difficult to work
with she has too many comments.
and right on about ryan...!!!!
Simon is a big self centered ass with no talent or insight. Up his.
simon is a self centered control freak and is as nasty and evil as Judge Judy control freak beatch.
I just cannot believe how bad Idol is this season. I think they should just have one show and eliminate the bottom 6 or 7 and leave us with the top three or four and go from there. Get rid of Tim immediately, baby faced but obnoxious, then Katie who pouts too much, and Michael who is so corny I could scream, and Siobhan, who has the most annoying personality, etc, and leave us with Casey, Lee and Crystal and let's get it done. Sad to not want to even sit though these terrible performances, but more problematic is the lousy attitude of the contestants!
I really am disgusted with Ryans behaviour toward Simon.
I think that it is totally inappropriate.
I don't even want to watch the show anymore because of this childishness.
This disrespect is seen by millions of young people and they are getting a message that this is ok behaviour.
It is not ok!
I agree with the above comments on the childishness of Ryan toward Simon. He needs to GO!
It's "doe-eyed," as in the female deer. Not as in a pre-cooked cookie.
Sigh.
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