Simon Cowell

He is purposely offensive - and on live tv in front of a studio audience and millions of viewers. I know some people consider it 'constructive' and deserving, but when you're being constructive, you should try to phrase things positively rather than negatively. I notice that he uses a lot of negative and destructive wording - he tells people they are 'hideous' and that they sound 'karaoke' or like a theme park singer. I don't see what constructive anything a contestant can get out of comments like that. I do enjoy the contestants that banter back and try to toss back at Simon what he dishes out, because it is not fair to belittle and put down somebody in the guise of 'honesty' and get away with it without a poke or two back. I am not saying that you need to say something to make anybody feel good. What I am saying is that it would be better to find a less rotten way to express dislike about a performance. Not everybody is A-list top of their game at every performance. It's fine to note that and discuss it a little, but I do not think it's fine to degrade, make fun of, and rip apart a contestant who probably already has a feeling they were not A-game, know what I mean?

I think that Simon is the only one who actually knows what he's talking about.When he compliments someone he really means it(not like Paula). He is a little rude but I think it's sexy. Anyone else think he's hot???

I agree that most of the time he's right on the mark, but "brutally frank" is putting it much too mildly! lol

yeah, i think he is a good judge. i like Simon Cowell. SIMON! SIMON! SIMON!

i totally agree with that. maybe most people are just not used to hearing honest remarks like what simon's telling the contestants.

Simon knows what he's talking about. If these people were to stand infront of a vocal college master class and sing these songs, the instructors would probably tear them up worse than Simon. He's not there to fluff up egos. I really wish Paula would grow a pair. I call her the "hippie" judge because she's always saying things like, "Thank you for touching my soul" and, "You are so wonderful and great and you deserve to be up there." She never really comments on the quality of their singing. Sometimes I wonder if she's just quietly talking to herself while they are singing because she seems to be in her own little world. I'm wondering when Fox is going to kick her off the show and replace her with someone who actually knows something about singing and music and can actually formulate an opinion about something.

I agree although his comments seem rude. He is usally right. Just like even last week with Brooke White. Although she was one of my favorites on there. Her first song didn't sound very good at all.

I agree. He is the main reason I watch AI. Many people do not know that Simon helps give the contestant who do not win help in building their careers after they are booted off. He is also extremely generous with his time and money in many organization for the needy. Visiting Africa and other 3rd World countries to help.

I agree and when he does actually compliment someone you can believe that he really means it. I love his facial expressions when he gives someone a compliment.

Yeah it's true. And also, American Idol wouldn't be "American Idol" without SIMON COWELL. He's frank, but he has the most sincere intentions. He is actually, i think, one of the people who the contestants would really strive hard to please, and with that, the contestants really give out their best just to please him.

hahaha...Me too i love Simon Cowell. He is one of my favorite judge among the judges. I like the way he comments the contestants because it gives them the urge to pursue harder in the contest. He is frank on judging but he's just saying the truth.

i agreed , i think Simon is the best judge among the three, for the most part he know what he is talking about.

I agree. I think Simon is always right.If he compliments someone you know he means it. He's a little rude but I think it's sexy.