Simon Cowell is one of the most popular names in the music industry, and it's no doubt that "American Idol" will undergo a drastic change without him at the judges' table. Therefore, it's really not that much of a surprise that Cowell was asked plenty about his eventual replacement during a conference call I was a part of Thursday.
Check below for some of Simon's thoughts on the top 24, his departure, and a reported conflict with Ellen DeGeneres.
On if a woman should win this year:
"Depends what she's like...I kind of know where we're going [with this question], we've had a few years now of guys winning the show...there's definitely a better chance of a girl winning this year, certainly better than last year...You want somebody who is representing what is going on at the moment. I'd like to find a Taylor Swift, someone that's relevant."
On the controversial decisions:
"This was a difficult one because it all happened so quickly...it would have been much easier if we could have had five or six days to think about it and really review the performances but we had a limited time...but then when you watch it back you say 'I could have made different decisions here.'
"There's always a moment where you look at something and think 'I made a decision.' You got to live with that."
On who should be a replacement:
(With a laugh.) "You better be good looking. You just got to know what [you're] talking about. I think more and more now I'm starting to realize with the shows that we have to put people on who know what they're talking about...and Howard [Stern], I know Howard's name has been in there for a while. But I'm fairly certain that there has not be an approach."
"Perez [Hilton] would be funny. He's got a good taste in music, he's a personality -- I mean that could work."
On the rumors about him and Ellen DeGeneres not getting along:
"I wouldn't say that we [don't] get on wel...I don't know Ellen that well. It was a difficult position for her...there was one story I read that I turned up an hour late and she wanted to film. The truth -- when I think I turned up 15 to 20 minutes late because I had a press conference earlier in the day.
"There was no fallout. I was trying to guide her through the week."
On if he misses Paula Abdul:
"Paula's my friend. Amazing, even though we argued a lot. She was just somebody I got really close to over the year. We hang out together after the show...I always thought she was funny."
On the thought that he is "Irreplaceable:"
"It's very, very, flattering and I really do appreciate it, but like I said before the show goes on...it's much nicer to be popular than unpopular."
On the qualifications a judge should have:
"I think it's really important...it's interesting that when we first started we had a record producer, an artist, and an A&R man [as judges]...I think someone who's had managerial experience would be very helpful. In simplistic terms, it's like if you judge ice skating at the Olympics...you genuinely need to know what you're talking about. I think over the years, judges have been replaced by personalities....find someone who knows what they're talking about."
On if Howard Stern meets these requirements:
"He doesn't seem to fit any of the criteria."
On Chris Golightly being taken out of the top 24:
"I remember his first audition very well...I wasn't quite so keen on him, and then the second or third time in Hollywood Week, he wasn't as strong. I honestly don't have a clue why he's been removed from the competition. I'm guessing it's some sort of technical reason. It's a shame for him, he could have used his opportunity."
On potential mentors for this season:
"Who comes to mind -- we've had some pretty good people. I think we should have Lady Gaga, since she's the most relevant pop artist in the world at the moment. So I think she should be number one."
On balancing out good contestants for TV:
"It's a good question. The reason we put a variety of people through is primarily on talent and interest in them as people...it's important that you recognize talent and personalities.
"It's about remembering people, and part of the problem is that most people you can't remember. If you can remember somebody it's a good start."
On the success of "Pants on the Ground"
"It's an interesting thing. When [General Larry Platt] came on the show, it's one of the reasons why on 'X Factor' we didn't put an age cap. I've always found the older contestants funny or interesting. Whether it's him or somebody like Susan Boyle. I'm really happy it worked for him. He needed a break."
On Ellen's selection as a judge:
"I'll tell you why I think Ellen was a good choice. She actually is very responsible for people she has performing on her own show. She loves music, and she's been an artist. It wasn't meant to ditch her credentials [when talking about a qualified judge], I was just talking about my role on the show."
On advice he would give specific contestants:
"I think you've got to be original. I remember David Cook -- the reason he did so well...he managed to find interesting versions of well-known songs and did them in his style. I remember when he performed 'Hello' and turned it into a rock song...he's smart, and I would say the same thing to these contestants. Try to find something that's unique to you -- and suck up to me, of course."
On if he will take a lesser role in the live shows:
"It's always frustrating on an edited show because it's an edited show...what I always do is not go on there with some sort of preconceived idea on what it's going to be like, what people are going to be like, be in the moment, and what I've always done in my career and that is [trying to make] the right decision...most importantly, say what you think people at home are thinking.
"I think I want to go off on a high...it's my last season and I want it to be successful."
On who he would want to be his replacement:
"Well, you're never going to pick anyone as good as you...I think the important thing is you see people put into a role to play a certain role -- which has become quite tiresome...you just gotta find somebody who can actually make a difference to the contestants, but not be gratuitously rude -- I'm really getting tired of all of that now. There's going to be a lot of people who want the job. Ironically I think it's going to help next season because I think there's going to be a lot of people interested in who replaces me.
"If I really knew [who could do it], I wouldn't tell you."
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First of all, thanks to Simon Cowell for taking part in the conference on Friday. What do you think about his thoughts? Feel free to share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more "American Idol" news.
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Comments
Idol won't be the same with out him, doesn't matter who they get to replace him. I think the judges should have some music background or what are they really judging on?
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