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In an interview set to air Monday, March 14 at 9pmET/PT, Simon Cowell tells Piers Morgan. Now that he's watching "American Idol" from home, Cowell says the new season is better than his final season. "I personally think it is a better show than last year," Cowell says. "It feels to me they've got their energy back, they're confident, they're competitive."
"It's not the show I would make myself, because that's why I moved from the show in the first place," says Cowell. As for some of the rest of the judges who have sat with Cowell: "I always think of Idol really as me, Paula and Randy." Check out the full, hour-long interview on Monday – in which Cowell takes on Elton John, previews his new show "The X Factor" and much more.


Simon makes everything better, and i agree- Idol was always about paula, randy, and simon.
I do not think Simon makes everything better. He proved that last year. He was horrible with his nasty nasty comebacks at the beginning of last year's season. They were uncalled for..... his last year and he sucked.
Those nasty comebacks are what made the show so fun to watch.
Simon told the truth in a direct manner. Say what you will about the guy, but he was right nearly 100% of the time, & Idol isn't the same without him.
I stopped watching Idol because I was so sick of hearing Simon rip on people just to be mean. I kept thinking... is this guy serious or just being like that for the show? This new group I love! I haven't watched Idol is years and this new cast has me hooked. Finally, some professional critique.
Simon is helping those people by telling them the truth. Something that most people do not get these days!
These kids are trying to enter the entertainment business. Simon's comments are a walk in the park compared to what other type of scrutiny they will receive should they win – either from gossip magazines, producers, other singers/musicians, etc. You have to have a thick skin in order to make it in that business and he's just trying to give them a dose of reality.
Simon Cowell was absolutely needed in that show. he's a bit harsh but truthful and that's what those kids need. they don't need people to praise them and make them feel good, that's what their parents are for, but in a show where you become a music idol, you should know how to be better or just know when to quit. Jennifer Lopez is adorable but that's just too much. Randy is the only one trying to give his honest opinion but Jennifer doesn't let him. she wants to be on the people's good side but that clearly is not helping the contestants. all in all i do like them, the show is great and they have incredible talent this year. i just really, REALLY miss Simon!
Professional critique? Are you kidding me? Simon was rude, yes, but honest with contestants who needed serious work or failed to perform. This new crew is good but overly diplomatic in their criticism. These kids deserve more than that. Simon pointed out real problems that could be solved with practice and/or training. And yes he was funny!
Simon NEVER gave constructive advice. He would just say something was horrible or indulgent. Never say "to improve you should.........." The new crew is awesome! I am LOVING the new season. Not only are they better critiques (well, Steven is a little soft), but they picked better talent!
I so agree with Simon! Totally did not like last season at all, did not care for Cara and sorry but Ellen just didn't belong in a world that she has no concept of. To be honest, I really didn't think that Steven and JLo would even bring anything to American Idol, I thought that the horse had been beaten to death, but you know what? MAYBE, MAYBE, they will help breathe new life into it. Sorry Dawg, but your time is about up too, now that you have Steven and JLo in there, you are now out of your league as well.
While i'm still not feeling the Steven Tyler/J-Lo vibe, I agree that Randy's time has passed. Ellen seemed out of place, but she had more than enough experience in the entertainment field to be relevant to Idol. Cara was annoying. Simon remains the best!
I agree with you. But I think Randy needs to stay. Steven and Jlo sometimes get soft. It was funny, I would tell my wife what I thought and then Randy would then give his thoughts which were exactly like mine! Maybe I should be a judge. haha
come on, dawgs, randy is like the new simon – and before all y'all get crazy on me, i did not say he is the new simon, i typed he is "like" the new simon
Therein lies the problem. AI is not about the judges it's about the singers. The judges just give it a little sparkle. Hopefully this crop of contestants will bring the show back to it's glory since this is a great group.
aaahhh, but it was the judges who brought the singers in so that they could give the sparkle to American Idol. It was the judges that saw that sparkle in their voices. ('cept for that Scotty kid, don't like him nor his character, shoulda went home with the rest of the group that ousted that 15 year old. All he can sing is country, not versatile) I am afraid however that Steven has his favorite, and has had since she and he sang together the first time, and he will be partial towards her.... EXACTLY Clare, Dawg is way out of his league now, glad to read someone else agrees with me.
Seriouslly!! I don't see Snoop Dog singing opera, or Maria Carey singing country! It's about talent! Not their versitility! Yes this show requires them to sing different styles of music; but in no way does that mean that Scotty should go home! Scotty has a great voice and miles better than most. He has earned his shot; and apparently America agrees since he's still here!
i haven't watcstalhed idol this season not after they got rid of crystal bowersoxs. and the HUGE mistake simon made with jennifer hudson i've never gotten over that
american idol was created, famed, honored, applauded, praised, appreciated, enjoyed only when SIMON COWELL was on it.
American Idol will and always be SIMON COWELL
I totally agree Larry.
While Simon Cowel certainly helped make American Idol a household name, I believe and feel free to correct me should I be wrong, but I believe it was created by Simon Fuller?
Idol was proposed to American TV by 3 Simons – can't remember the 3rd one's name but Simon Cowell, Simon Fuller and Simon..... came here from Britain to propose the show -got booted out by a few TV execs, but Simon Cowell got a referral by one of his female contacts to her father, who agreed to do the show – and the rest is history!
I couldn't agree more, Larry. Whether the naysayers like it or not, Idol is not Idol without Simon. I can't stand stand to watch it with him gone.
I absolutely love the new Idol! The 2 new judges realize that it just might be about the young talented singers and not them! They are doing a fabulous job without flirting, tickling and making fools of themselves like Simon and Paula used to. This new Idol has some class and it's mainly because of the first class judges! They don't belittle people to get attention either. Randy...You had best be careful...Next year they should give you the boot too! Good riddance!
Clare – my thoughts exactly!
Clare, I agree with you 100%. The judges are absolutely awesome this year.
I have watched the past five seoasns of Idol and have some observations to make, informed or not.One, Simon Cowell might have been present last season, but he often was caught on camera not listening, either to the contestants or his fellow judges. He appeared bored and aloof. I felt his on-air demeanor sometimes undermined the performers. True, when he cared enough, he gave a few of the singers some valuable advice. But when he made it clear he wasn't coming back, I didn't shed tears, nor did I fear for the ongoing success of the show.As for the replacement judges, I had more trepidations about J-Lo than Steven Tyler. But they proved unfounded, because both have brought an authenticity to the judging process that has been in short supply for years. And because they demonstrate every time out that they are paying close attention to the singers, they have forced Randy Jackson to step up his game as well. I agree that the level of talent this year far surpasses last year's. So far, I am more invested than ever in the contest and there are a few performers who already show such promise that they will outshine previous winners, even if they fail to make it all the way to the end.
Randy needs to stay. The other 2 are too busy being nice & too often just echo one another. The difference from prior years has people interested now, but it will soon get boring if the judges stay so syrupy. No difference between contestants – they are all treated the same – all equally 'wonderful.' Becoming boring.
miss Simon!! New idol judges are great, though. Anything Simon does will turn out awesome
I agree.The new judges are good but idol will never be the same without Simon.He knew what real talent was.
I LOVED Simon! Once Idol got Kara the show went down hill. I really only watched for Simon and the singers. Randy was always saying the same things...pitchy dawg! Paula was the "nice" one who was always on something...Simon MOST (not all but most) of the time just told it like it was!! Kara was an idot and while I love Ellen, she didnt fit on the show. I didnt know how I would like the new show...but its not bad...however, its on at the same time survivor is on....
The best season ever. Kudos to Steven and J Lo... and Randy? never liked it.
I like Steven Tyler but I miss Simon. I will have to watch "The X Factor". I know I am an American Idol but I am not sure if I have the X Factor
I think the show is better than last year. It's a different, more friendlier show that less about the judging and more about the talent. I thought the show would die without Simon but I was wrong. Kudos to the producers for keeping it strong.
Is simon wearing eye shadow and eye liner?
I was wondering the same thing..........................
Nearly every TV star wears makeup, whether you can see it or not. Men and women have base and powder applied to the oily sheen off their skin. Much like Charlie's character will have the Sheen removed from it on 2 and half men, which without him is really now just 2 men!
Betty – I thought the same thing. I know he's into botox and a rather odd hair style, but the whole guy-liner thing just isn't him.
I'm really enjoying idol this year. Steven and JLo put energy back into the show. They both have charismatic personalities and I appreciate how encouraging they are of the contestants. It was so hard for me to watch Simon rip to shreds any sort of dignity a contestant tried to have in past seasons.
I never thought the show would survive without Simon ( I am a big fan of his) but I got to say the new judges are doing a great job and I am loving the show this season.
Steven Tyler and JLo came in with a lot more credentials then Simon and Paula. In fact, the only viable credential Simon has is American Idol. Steven Tyler and JLo have done far, far more in the entertainment industry than Cowell and most certainly Paula Abdul. It is a silly comparison. Like comparing Mario Lopez to Dan Rather.
I have to agree with you on all counts. Steven Tyler is one of rock and roll's best and not only sings for AeroSmith, but writes, produces and records them. JLo has also paid her dues all the way through her career. Finally two judges who can not only sing well, but have all the chops needed to help these young singers find a path to becoming at the very least signed recording artists. Stardom will be up to them to create from there.
"I always think of Idol really as me, Paula and Randy." Me too - most AI fans found Kara annoying. And yeah, this season is better. I actually like J-Lo (surprise)
Well I do think Simon did a much better job steering the contestants in the right direction. I am not sure if any of the three judges this season can really give good advice. I am hoping Randy can step up and be the one who can be the one who can give negative feedback and get positive results from it. J.Lo is more like Paula and just does not want to hurt anyone's feelings. Her emotions will get in the way. I am still not sure about Tyler. He may be the sleeper in the judges and may become more open as the show progresses.
i think j. lo is a much better judge than paula. first, it's not just b.s. that comes out of her mouth. sure she's a softy and do not want to hurt feelings, but she does get her point across and quite frankly give these contestants good advice. i remember one time she said to one of the ladies – play to your strength, don't go where you're not comfortable. to me, thats a simple yet true and useful advice. i've never heard paula said something that useful. anyway, i do like the show, it'll be cool if simon was still there. but yeah j.lo and steven absolutely lends credibility.
I think the judges are better this year especially Randy. He has taken the critics seat instead of Simon. J-Lo and Tyler have been a good change of pace. Looking forward to Simon's new show in the fall.
It is all about Simon an Paula. Without them the show is boring. JLO pretends to be Paula. Don't like it this year. Simon, please come back. I always enjoyed Simon's critics what made it interesting.
JLo pretends to be Paula? WHAT? She's beautiful, talented, and can complete full sentences......I see zero comparison to Paula.
I really liked Simon, but last year he "just didi his time" and appeared to not be into the show. I like Steve Tyler and think he is doing a great job. The show is still great, with exceptionally good talent this year.
is Simon still profiting off this new Idol? if so, then of course he's gonna say this season is better than his final season.. ratings = $$$
It's so funny that the "acts" that are popular in America aren't anything like what Simon thinks they should be. The poor guy is so out of touch. The last thing America wants is another Brittney Aguliera.
Simon's main problem was that he confused cruelty with honesty. He never realized that you could be honest without being cruel. That's why the show was nearly unwatchable the last two years. He was the problem and now the problem is gone and the show is great again.
What I love about this season is the talent. I too have not watched for years, and I am glued every week! What an amazing, inspiring, heartfelt season it is!
I quit watching Idol last year before the end. Then I decided just to peek and and see what was going on. I was surprised. Jennifer Lopez is warm and basically honest with being nasty. The other two are fine. Hey, with Simon it was a nasty show. Paula? I dunno. I didn't think she brought much to the show although I liked her. This year, the contestants are better, the judges good without being nasty.
I'd been a huge fan of American Idol since the first season. However, HOWEVER, I always wondered what the heck was wrong with USA that is paying a huge fortune to this midget from UK to come here to make fun of our young people. It is good for america's image\dignity that Big Head (Simon) is not longer on the show.
Simon was great and honest but the show became more about the judges and Ryan. Mostly the very nasty and down-right rude barbs traded between Simon and Ryan. I bet Ryan doesn't miss Simon.He seems way more at ease with the judges this year. This year it is more about the talent and not the drama of the judges. Cara was a eerie goofball.
Even the "Gong Show" was better than the last Idol.
I don't miss Simon's negativity on Idol, but there are times when I do miss his honesty.
Simon was the best ever judge on American Idol. Last year's contestants simply sucked. The best of the worse actually won. So did the previous year's winner who makes more money making commercials than singing.
The big difference is this year's contestants are way better and more talented than previous years, exception made of a few years before. While this year the judges are not the stars but the contestants are, the last two years saw us talking about the judges more than the contestants. It would be an even better show if Simon was still with American Idol. The quality of contestants this year is ten times better than previous years.
Piers is still on the air?
The talent is so much better this year than in the past few years, and I like that they've speed up the level of performance required-they have to be together NOW. And yes, Randy has had to become Simon in terms of being honest with the contestants because the other two refuse to be anything but "nice" (which is a disappointment).
So... we have Piers Morgan, of 'America's got Talent', and Simon Cowell, of 'American Idol'. Why on earth would they have Brits hosting these shows about Americans? I have always wondered. And now Piers has his own frigging show on CNN that boasts sensationalism. Any time I see a commercial for his show they always try to make his interviews look all "ground-breaking", but it never turns out to be that exciting. And then CNN tries to shove it in your face again the next day on their website as if it's a news story (in some cases 5-6 different stories/highlights). Can't they just air the bloody interviews and let the viewers make discussion amongst themselves? Of course they can't, because nobody gives a hoot.
Sorry guys I've been wanting to rant about this for some time now. As you were...
I try not to watch the show any more. It peaked and went down hill. I will watch Simon's new show. JaLo/Tyler/Randy...fraught with opinion, but the right opinion? JaLo collapsing over sending someone home, ridiculous. She's about selling her videos. Steve is aging so badly hard to watch. Randy doesn't fit. What is there to watch? It's painful
You're giving us a clip from an interview that airs March 14!!??? What kind of promotion is that? Do these interviews LIVE or have the sense to put them on sooner. Don't tease me about an interview that is still a week away. This isn't the kind of interview that needs to be held for a week and promoted– it's not the royal family. It's just Simon– the guy Piers wishes he could be!
Ahhh ... I do miss Mr. Nasty!
It's kind of fun to have a new panel, one that's back down to three, with recording artists. But this year's panel doesn't have anybody approaching things from the perspective of sales, longevity, etc. Nobody on this panel will ever tell somebody their performance was "forgettable". And sometimes people need to hear that to have a fire lit underneath them for them to reach their best.
Looking forward to checking out Simon's X-Factor when that debuts!
There is no doubt in my mind that the show this year is way superior and I do not miss the panel from last year at all, especially Simon. We now have mega star power with Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez along with Randy.
The talent is the best I have ever seen on this show in years and so are the judges. It just goes to show, you don't have to be cruel to be right or inspire! Look at all the University and College grads who go on to do great things. None of their professors I am sure were ever cruel – firm,constructive and realistic, but not cruel.
I too truly think this is one of the best American Idol seasons. The talent is far superior and the professionalism that the singers are presenting is great to see. It is a treat to see them dress so nice. The judges are doing a fabulous job, not much belittling, what person needs that in front of 30 million people. Keep up the good work judges. I am glad that Simon recognizes how good the show is this year. It is very reassuring to the judges, singers and the production crew I am sure.
Piers,
Current events and disasters air and repeat all day and all night on a number of news channels. During your time slot, please stick to your planned schedule of guests. If any breaking news occurs during your segment, it will provide Anderson Cooper something fresh to report during 360.
I second that, Pattie. Piers, PLEASE air the Simon interview this week, before it has to be shelved because it is no longer current. I was so disappointed when it was postponed. There's so much hard news these days, how about a little light entertainment to give our spirits a lift?
Simon has had eyelash extenstions ?
Has this show aired already?
I like the show, however, I still miss Simon. I don't watch every week anymore.
Piers,
Please let us know when the Simon Cowell show is going to be aired! Is this show always going to be diverted for any disaster? Sorry, it's ok at first, but you got to come back eventually, how many days is enough? Was looking forward to this one, obviously it's been taped already, let us have it soon, please.
The Piers Morgan CNN website is terrible. It's usually really difficult to find out who is going to be on the show that night. And, here, they don't even update the fact that Simon wasn't on yesterday.
Please let us know when Simon Cowell episode will be aired!
I've been an Idol follower for years now and hearing about Simon leaving the show, I thought American Idol is done– especially after Paula has left the show and Kara and Ellen just didn't seem right to be in the panel. Surprisingly though, JLo and Steven gave the show a breath of fresh air to revive the spunk it had lost when it went downhill a few years back. In my opinion, JLo (I'm not a big fan) gives far better critiques without sounding like she's high or something...put in Paula's sweetness but with a li'l more sense and you've got JLo. Steven is just fine. His career in itself is enough credentials for these young hopefuls aspire for. Lastly, Randy–I think his presence in the panel gives a sense of feeling that it is still the American Idol that we got used to watching for 10 years now...
Well, for those who think Simon was always being honest and speaking the truth... it's time to BELIEVE him again!! American Idol IS a better show than last year!! Thanks Simon, for your honesty!! And I'm SOOOO glad you're GONE!
Does anyone from CNN ever take the time to read these posts? Honestly, it's the best assistance CNN can provide a capable interviewer, like Piers, to not make a success of his show. 1) Where is a proper, updated schedule of shows? 2) Give some feedback.... is anyone alive back there?
I think there are allot more important things going on in the world other than American Idol. I would not expect them to get back to anyone. I think the show does great – its uplifting in these troubled times. I think the judges are doing the very best and its great fun for the young adults to have hope.
Sincerely
http://www.AmericanIdol.pro
Simon is so DEARLY missed! thank God Randy is still there, it would have been one mushy mushy show, dont even watch it every week!!
Simon was Amenrican Idol, there is no arguement and we all know it!
This year is about the talent not the judges fighting as it was it past years. The kids can take the feedback and actually do something with it this year. I'm glad Simon and Paula are gone
The Simon interview was supposed to air this Monday (3/28), but it's being pulled yet again to discuss the President's speech that night. PLEASE show the Simon interview SOMETIME next week!! We've been waiting long enough!! I was so excited that it was finally going to air on Monday, and now I'm disappointed again. We want the Simon interview, and we want it NOW!!
My guess is they'll hold off on the Simon Cowell interview until"The X-Factor" starts in the autumn. It's all about promotion
Whatever, this interview is all old news now so who really gives a damn anyway?
I'm with Kimmie above. When is this interview finally going to air?????? I have been waiting! Piers tweeted last week that it would be aired Mon 3/28 and now its bumped again for an entire hour analyzing the President's speech about Libya. Every other "show" on CNN covers that sort of thing. Sorry, Piers, I don't watch your show for the latest in-depth political analysis – I watch for your interviews with folks like Simon Cowell.
And then tonight he had a live show about TWITTER!! That was so important that Simon's interview had to be held off AGAIN?
The first two weeks of the new Piers Morgan show were entertaining. BUT!!!!!! It's been a bait and switch situation ever since. This Simon interview is turning into a big ole TEASE. Sorry, PIers, but your US fan base is not the news hounds.
This show with Simon has been bumped so many times. When will it air?
I do not like Simon. How much longger do we have to here from him?
And tonight he's got Rod Stewart. No offense to Rod, I love him, but now that there's a lull in the headline news, and he's back to entertainment interviews, shouldn't he air the one that he's had to bump a million times first?
Sorry but I don't miss Simon, Paula, Kara or Ellen. I love Jennifer, Steven and Randy together. They make a great team.
I don't miss Simon flirting with Paula and both of them acting like high school kids while the contestants were performing and trying so hard to get their attention. That was so rude and thoughtless. They needed to leave Idol and get a room. Ellen was more like a one time guest judge and Kara was too 'know it all'. Steven and Jennifer are hanging on to the contestants every word and watching their performance so they can help them with thier critique. Randy was always like this. I'm glad Idol chose to keep him on. Randy can be very helpful to them and this year he is really trying to help each one of them with his studio producer knowledge. Simon and Paula's Idol days were over. It was time for them to say Goodbye. Kara never belonged on Idol and Ellen looked like she felt out of place.
I've stopped watching the new Idol, It;s just not entertaining anymore. Steven T has nothing to say, Jennifer tries too hard and says the same thing over and over again and Randy was just filler on the old show and he is trying to be the new simon and it's not working. It's just no good without Simon. Bring on the X Factor.
CNN, why are you showing this interview with Simon on your website when you keep postponing it? You say it's going to be aired and then we get more of the same conflict stories that all other shows on CNN are constantly showing. Piers Morgan is a show for interviewing people. We need a break from all that negative news. Set a date for the Simon Cowell interview and stick to it.
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Piers Morgan needs to go back to 'Hollywood" stuff, he has no knowledge of world affairs....how can he interview people like Jesse Ventura and has not ONE correct rebuttal.....PIERS, STAY ON THE STUFF YOU KNOW, "GOSSIP", THE ROYALS ETC., AND STAY AWAY FROM SERIOUS EVENTS....you can't take on Jesse Ventura or others like him.
And Larry King could? Don't make me laugh. Larry King just read from cards and didn't even now much about the Hollywood stuff. Larry was sadly a yes and no guy.
he's made $millions by being a bully and for some reason people feel they need this in their lives go figure
Piers brings a hipness to a time slot that grew stale....I like his banter and rapport with his guest. What I like most is that he attracting guests that are relevant and not often seen in interviews. His line of questioning is interesting...sometimes he asks difficult questions...and does not let them off the hook. I like the bloke alot and I suspect he would fun to sit down with and a pint of bitter with. Piers your ok in Canada!!
The new judges are horrible and Randy is lost without Simon. If I see Jennifer Lopez cry one more time or hear Steven Tyler say "it was beautiful, man" one more time, I will turn off this horrible show....
this year is so stupid we need simon back like the judges do not know how to criticise simion tells how it is. Pia is off and she could sing better then all of the other singers
I think it sucked this year. The judges were just gooey over everything everyone did, and the songs this year overall are so cheesy. The fact that someone like James Durbin didn't make it to the finals says it all.
Artists out, whiny annoying sentimental teenybops in.
SImon, no quality control without you. That simple.
Don't despair people, X Factor will show America what real talent management is about.
This post is a blessing to me today. Thanks for the reminder that all things are only according to the Lord's plan.
I have not watched Idol since Simon left – until last night. My God – it was AWFUL!!!!! The judges tell Everybody that they sound good when they don't. The young 15 year was the worst thing I have ever heard.
I WANT SIMON BACK – give this thing a dose of reality!
Idol sux now.
I do like J Lo more but simon did make it fun to Watch. dont get me wrong he was an ass hole but it was funny to watch. He also did tell the truth most of the time. Think he is a pole smoker to.
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