[allie5]

I do miss "old Simon" terribly - he used to be so witty and sharp - he has lost his edge lately and I hope it comes back on X Factor USA. Im sure a lot of it was to do with selling the contestants songs on itunes...slating a performance effects sales so his remarks were nearly always against the other JUDGES not the contestants if you watch it back. It will be interesting to see how the dynamic works on XF - it was very easy to rip Louis to shreds - and everyone would laugh and get the joke - but Simon can hardly do the same to the "respected" LA Reid - and if he does it to Paula she will probably combust into a puddle of tears. So if he cant attack the judges and is going to pussyfoot round the contestants it will be pretty lame.

Im hoping with everyone already getting rather bored with Idol's over load of sickly sweet "nicey niceyness" that he will be back to Vintage Simon - clever quips, sarcastic campy put downs and see much more of that charming, mischievious personality that made him unmissable telly.

[Linder]

Interesting discussion here. I agree with Dexydal an Allie5, although I adore Paula and think they have great chemistry with Simon. But I don't think it's happening. I actually think the fact that in this promo tour Simon mentiones Paula so often is indicator that she is not serious contender. I bet he remembers pathetic Idol's announcement, when everybody knew who's going to be a judge days before announcement. I bet he wants to shock and surprise, because that's his thing. If he will announce Paula and Cheryl, people going to laugh in his face.

As for him having problems filling judging panel - well, do you really think so? Considering The Voice managed to get a panel of interesting young and relatively relevant stars? And considering that Idol gig gave JLo new start in her career, and AXF could do the same for the star of the show? And being on show like that means months of headlines - I think many people in Hollywood will be attracted to that. I think Simon works hard to prevent leaks of names of female judges, and I don't think Paula will be one of them.

[Kelley18644]

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl515

Everyone keeps saying that Simon doesn't want XF to be too much like Idol which is why he wouldn't really want Paula on the show unless he can't find someone better who is available. But guess what XF is just like Idol, just like The Voice is just like Idol and The Sing Off is just like Idol. They are all basically the same show with some minor differences. Personally, I think if for no other reason than the fact that they have well documented chemistry and brought in ratings/viewers to Idol, that Simon would be a fool not to hire Paula for the panel. It will guarantee viewers just on that fact alone. Plus it gives the viewers a feeling of familiarity. That is basically the same reason Idol kept Randy Jackson on the panel and didn't do a complete overhaul to it this year. People want to watch a show that feels comfortable. And it's a great way to stick it to Idol, especially since the Idol producers are going out of their way to say that the show is so much better now than it used to be. And as much as Paula did have some bad moments on Idol, I always felt she truly cared about the contestants so I think she would make a good mentor.

I like Shania Twain as a choice as well. I didn't really see her when she was on Idol but again she has experience in the business. I don't really think Simon absolutely needs someone young and relevant on the panel. I think experience counts for more. Just because you happen to be hot right now in the music field doesn't mean that you are going to be able to give good advice. A big name may draw viewers in but they have to have something relevant and credible to say to make the viewers stay tuned in. Truthfully, I personally am not sure that I can think of any new artist right now that I feel is credible for the job.

I do quite like Shania Twain. Katy Perry was actually fairly articulate and seemed to have a lot of good thoughtful advice when she was a guest on Idol and XF. Alas, she's to good/big of a popstar right now to do XF beyond an appearance

And I agree, all these singing shows are virtually the same. Oh, yes change it up with different ages or groups or "mentors" (they still have vocal coaches and choreographers that do the actual work with the contestants) or even pick the contestants based on sound ala the Voice BUT at the end of the day, you still have contestants singing songs (honestly how does anyone not get bored of seeing the contestants singing the same songs each year across the various shows is beyond me) and then viewing audience votes for them.

[Linder]

Personally, I think if for no other reason than the fact that they have well documented chemistry and brought in ratings/viewers to Idol, that Simon would be a fool not to hire Paula for the panel

By the way, another thing I wanted to mention - considering how good this Idol's season is going, it's safe to say that it's not Simon and Paula who brought in viewers and ratings. Yes, ratings were better in seasons of classic Idol, but since seventh season ratings started to get lower with every year. It was downward spiral since seventh season, and this year is a first time when ratings actually improved.
Most people watch this show because they love format and because of contestants. This season proved it.

[CpC]

The thing is people are now starting to miss Simon it was the same last year people loved Ellen everyone was like Paula who, then it was bring back Paula now it starting with Simon. The new judges like everyone except Haley. Steven is Ellen, Randy is Randy he never made much of an impact, and J-LO is just an actress reading notes off a piece of paper most of the time.

While the contestants are better than last year the judges are terrible. Paula and Simon brought in the ratings fighting then being nice we loved it over here they made the show when she left he always looked bored.

[Linder]

Originally Posted by CpC

The thing is people are now starting to miss Simon it was the same last year people loved Ellen everyone was like Paula who, then it was bring back Paula now it starting with Simon. The new judges like everyone except Haley. Steven is Ellen, Randy is Randy he never made much of an impact, and J-LO is just an actress reading notes off a piece of paper most of the time.

While the contestants are better than last year the judges are terrible. Paula and Simon brought in the ratings fighting then being nice we loved it over here they made the show when she left he always looked bored.

The fact that Paula and Simon fighting made show for you doesn't mean it made it for everybody else. For 99 percent of viewers it's all about contestants. Check ratings - no Paula, no Simon, still number one show.

[Jerseygirl515]

Originally Posted by Linder

The fact that Paula and Simon fighting made show for you doesn't mean it made it for everybody else. For 99 percent of viewers it's all about contestants. Check ratings - no Paula, no Simon, still number one show.

Personally I feel that Idol could have three monkeys sitting on the panel and people would still tune in to watch it. The show has become such a habit now for people that they just tune in no matter what. That was proven when the show still got high ratings during Season 9 when the neither the talent nor the judging was that good. It is a water cooler show that people have become used to watching and talking about.. Plus there was never any competition for it. It has really been the only singing competition out there to watch.

I also think that people are going to tune into XF US just because of Simon. I do think that people miss him.

[Kelley18644]

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl515

Personally I feel that Idol could have three monkeys sitting on the panel and people would still tune in to watch it. The show has become such a habit now for people that they just tune in no matter what. That was proven when the show still got high ratings during Season 9 when the neither the talent nor the judging was that good. It is a water cooler show that people have become used to watching and talking about.. Plus there was never any competition for it. It has really been the only singing competition out there to watch.

I also think that people are going to tune into XF US just because of Simon. I do think that people miss him.

No one actually misses Simon, we just get (it shoved down our throats) told that we do.

[Jerseygirl515]

Originally Posted by Kelley18644

No one actually misses Simon, we just get (it shoved down our throats) told that we do.

Are you from the US, because I am and I know many people that do miss him on the show. However, as I said they will continue to watch the show anyway because it is a habit and their kids enjoy it.

[allie5]

Originally Posted by Kelley18644

No one actually misses Simon, we just get (it shoved down our throats) told that we do.

Thats a bit of a strange statement...How can you POSSIBLY know "no one misses Simon"? And who is shoving it down your throat? Although Im not from the US, I do keep on top of US culture, watch a lot of online streaming, media and news (plus spend a fair amount of vacation time there) and until VERY recently, Simon has barely been mentioned. Only since Pia was chucked out of Idol have the (US) media started to turn on Idol's sickly sweet judging panel - but thats only been VERY recently. Before that, the only real mention of Simon being "missed" was by the interviewers on all the Fox affiliate stations when he has been doing XF promo. I really think the opposite to be honest - up and till last week when Pia left Idol, Simon's departure from Idol was, in the main, reported as a positive thing for the show....the new panel were going down well and I saw several articles with the tag "Simon who?" after Idol's triumphant start to the first series without him.

I think he WILL be a draw for XF but he cant carry the show himself - a lot will be to do with its slot in the schedules, what shows its up against, how the US public take to X Factors more gimmicky feel and whether the appetite for talent shows is waining. We shall see. Its going to be interesting to see if the XF "recipe" works in the United States - Idol is very safe, you know what you are getting and people do like that kind of consistency. XF is all about the shock value - will the Americans enjoy seeing "a proper singer" booted out in favour of a novelty act aka Wagner / Chico / Jedward staying in - its a big risk and is more an important factor to consider than even the judging panel (in my opinion).

[Moireen]

Simon has made himself replacable. It's not like he is the total opposite of the current Idol pannel. He was waxing lyrical in his last two season on Idol and on X-Factor, he praises rubbish like Katie. So he isn't much more critical than Steven, but shows a lot less interested in the shows than him.

Simon before he turned into a lying, hypocritial, lyrics waxing douche = superior to every other judge.

[Kelley18644]

Originally Posted by allie5

Before that, the only real mention of Simon being "missed" was by the interviewers on all the Fox affiliate stations when he has been doing XF promo. I really think the opposite to be honest - up and till last week when Pia left Idol, Simon's departure from Idol was, in the main, reported as a positive thing for the show....the new panel were going down well and I saw several articles with the tag "Simon who?" after Idol's triumphant start to the first series without him.

XF is all about the shock value - will the Americans enjoy seeing "a proper singer" booted out in favour of a novelty act aka Wagner / Chico / Jedward staying in - its a big risk and is more an important factor to consider than even the judging panel (in my opinion).

Exactly.

And this is why I think that if he truly does keep to this formula, it's not going to be success he wants it to be. The American market is completely different when it comes to things like this. Unless, of course, he doesn't care that people will be talking about it as a joke as long as they're talking about it. Which seems to be his mantra these days.

[mary patricia]

Originally Posted by Moireen

Simon has made himself replacable. It's not like he is the total opposite of the current Idol pannel. He was waxing lyrical in his last two season on Idol and on X-Factor, he praises rubbish like Katie. So he isn't much more critical than Steven, but shows a lot less interested in the shows than him.

Simon before he turned into a lying, hypocritial, lyrics waxing douche = superior to every other judge.

I completely agree. When I first started watching X-Factor, he was caustically honest but funny with it. He was quite mean but you agreed with him because he was saying what everyone else was thinking but were too polite to say. Now he's become boring and predictable and has devalued his opinion to the point where it's completely worthless. Success has made him spoiled and entitled and he's lost his edge. His ego has overtaken his sense of reason and it's like everyone walks on egg shells around him.

Back in the days of Louis, Sharon and Simon, they all were on equal footing and gave as good as they got. Now the judges are just puppet extensions of Simon's ego. I don't for a second believe that they choose who they want to save in the sing off. Louis and Danni both made odd choices and I'm convinced they did so because they were told. Louis was an avid supporter of Paige from the beginning, getting him to audition again and he disliked Cher, so why would he save Cher over Paige? At this stage they might as well call it the Simon Cowell Ego Factor. It's like he's taking the p!ss out of viewers. Saving Katie over and over again because she was an easy target for the media to shred and don't get me started on the sing off fiasco that got rid of Mary.

I know why he did it. He threw his reputation in the UK under a bus to get the highest possible ratings so he could go to FOX and say "see, look how clever I am, I got x% of the viewing audience and I can do the same here". It's also the reason he brought in the audience auditions, he wanted to try it out in the UK first, to start making the show different to Idol. The ironic thing is, for someone with a massive ego who wanted to be successful, the more successful he gets, the unhappier he seems. Back in the early days, he looked like he was genuienly enjoying himself, both on the shows and in interviews. Now he looks like he is too busy calculating the next phrase to come out of his mouth to enjoy his success.

It will be interesting to see how the show fares this year if BB runs at the same time. Both shows rely heavily on the media taking an interest in the contestants but I feel two such shows running concurrently will be wannabe overload. With both shows angling for media coverage, it could become even more of a farce than it already is and be the beginning of the end.

Anyway, I've rambled on a bit so I better take it back on topic. Simon Cowell, is he or isn't he? Gay - No. Egotistical Jerk - Yes.

[C14E]

I think he'll be tougher in the US - particularly because Idol has gone for the "nicey-nicey" approach (which X Factor has taken very successfully in the UK since 2008). Plus, I get the impression that they'll emphasise the competition aspect in the first season.

As for the early years of X Factor, it was really no different to now - the judges were never equals. There has always been an element of "conspiracy to entertain". It's actually those earlier years (before they went to a break after the result) where you could see Richard Holloway crouching beside Simon during the sing-off. Remember Chico? The night of the Irish mafia? Louis quitting at a highly convenient time for Simon? Louis being fired and reinstated? Sharon's frequent storm outs? Their "pact" to vote off Simon's acts - but never any of his favourites, of course?! And then, amid a whirl of rumours that she was out of control, Simon suddenly hired Sharon to his most valuable show?

Ultimately, Simon has 2 key tasks. One is to find (at least every now and again) someone that can sell records for Sony. His other is to attract the maximum number of viewers possible. Cher will sell more records than Mary and attract more viewers. The controversy over Katie drove viewing figures last year just as Jedward did the year before, Diana Vickers before them and Rhydian before her.

Take away all that and it would be like the Stars Wars trilogy without The Empire Strikes Back. Because utlimately it won't matter. Without fail, the winner (and nearly always the top 3) will be wholly inoffensive.

As for Big Brother, it won't matter. The only papers that will report on it will be The Daily Star and The Daily Express (and I bet even they'll slowly drift away from it). I strongly suspect that it's going to fail miserably and presents far less competition for column inches than regular opposition like Strictly, I'm A Celebrity or last year, The Apprentice. The Sun, The Mirror, The Daily Mail and the glossies will keep their focus where the viewers are. And that sure as hell won't be Channel 5!

[Moireen]

Originally Posted by mary patricia

The ironic thing is, for someone with a massive ego who wanted to be successful, the more successful he gets, the unhappier he seems. Back in the early days, he looked like he was genuienly enjoying himself, both on the shows and in interviews. Now he looks like he is too busy calculating the next phrase to come out of his mouth to enjoy his success.
.

Agreed, particularly with the bold part. I'm not saying success or money don't make happy because they do. Just ask someone who can't get sleep because they have to think about how to pay their rent at night.

But from a certain point, it seemed to begin to make him unhappy. I still remember him in his early years on Idol, he seemed so happy and at ease. He even seemed cool and at ease when some contestants used to back-talk in a rude way.

Now, not so much. He looks bored with his shows, when he praises contestants it always seems fake (as opposed to his enthusiasm for the likes of Tamyra and Fantasia which used to look like real love) and he looks so old and tired beyond his year. I used to find him somehow attractive, but now he just looks fluffed up, tired and like he's got too much cortison.

Boy, how happy would I be if I had his money, but he doesn't ooze any joy or happiness. If I could, I would make him lose 20 pounds and send him for one year on a trip around the world to finally have some fun, sunshine and healthy food.

It's easy to undestand why poor people with lack of money can be that stressed and unhappy. With him, I don't really understand it. He has money, he has a family, he's supposed to be smitten, he has his record company, he has really old friends and he could afford to take off one or two years without losing any money or influence.

I don't really feel sorry for him but I can't understand him. If I was in his position, I'd be enjoying myself. He isn't going to live forever, seems like he's desperate to take all the money into his grave.

[maureens]

Originally Posted by Moireen

Agreed, particularly with the bold part. I'm not saying success or money don't make happy because they do. Just ask someone who can't get sleep because they have to think about how to pay their rent at night.

But from a certain point, it seemed to begin to make him unhappy. I still remember him in his early years on Idol, he seemed so happy and at ease. He even seemed cool and at ease when some contestants used to back-talk in a rude way.

Now, not so much. He looks bored with his shows, when he praises contestants it always seems fake (as opposed to his enthusiasm for the likes of Tamyra and Fantasia which used to look like real love) and he looks so old and tired beyond his year. I used to find him somehow attractive, but now he just looks fluffed up, tired and like he's got too much cortison.

Boy, how happy would I be if I had his money, but he doesn't ooze any joy or happiness. If I could, I would make him lose 20 pounds and send him for one year on a trip around the world to finally have some fun, sunshine and healthy food.

It's easy to undestand why poor people with lack of money can be that stressed and unhappy. With him, I don't really understand it. He has money, he has a family, he's supposed to be smitten, he has his record company, he has really old friends and he could afford to take off one or two years without losing any money or influence.

I don't really feel sorry for him but I can't understand him. If I was in his position, I'd be enjoying myself. He isn't going to live forever, seems like he's desperate to take all the money into his grave.

I agree about him not looking happy also, i watched American idol from the beginning and to see him and Ryan together was great the happiest i ever saw Simon Cowell on any programme, they used to banter, laugh, flirt bitch and generally got on together(im not saying i think there was anything more between them i just liked them together ) great viewing i thought Simon Cowell was great, then fox must have had a word, hence "hetro" Simon arriving and since then i think he changed a lot, but the last few years i really do not like him what a difference he is now and he is meant to be "smitten" he is now calculating,patronising and a hypocrite and generally nothing like the man on early Idol and xfactor what a shame i really still cant see him going back to that Simon on xfactor US (one Ryan wont be on) but if he is taking Cheryl Cole then it will just be like last years xfactor where those two together were unbearable.

[MICH78]

I think he has seemed happier recently; the interviews with Piers and Ryan were relaxed and witty. He can't be the old Simon again until XF US is a success, its his big dream, he's consumed by it. Im not happy with the story in the DM today about his health. All rehashed from this week except they have deliberatly put his dad's age down as 61 when he died, rather than 81, to make it look like work drove Eric to his death. I am concerned for his health, but this is very distastful reporting. Sorry i can't link the story now, but its on DM website.

[allie5]

Originally Posted by MICH78

I think he has seemed happier recently; the interviews with Piers and Ryan were relaxed and witty. He can't be the old Simon again until XF US is a success, its his big dream, he's consumed by it. Im not happy with the story in the DM today about his health. All rehashed from this week except they have deliberatly put his dad's age down as 61 when he died, rather than 81, to make it look like work drove Eric to his death. I am concerned for his health, but this is very distastful reporting. Sorry i can't link the story now, but its on DM website.

This one?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...ke-father.html

Cant see where it says Eric was 61 when he died - but they may have changed it - could have been a typo. Surely even the DM couldnt stoop that low could they??

Seems a bit of a pointless article, although its interesting so many things are popping up about concerns for Simon's health lately. I know some of us have noticed he has definitely looked older, more haggard and decidedly gaunt of late - I do wonder if the journos have got wind of something and Max is out to play it down. If he IS ill though, then I hope he sees sense and cuts down on his workload - TV will still be there in a year - why the hell doesnt he take a proper long stretch of time off and get back to full strength? I guess he is too much of a control freak for that.

I do find it odd that the whole UK / US clash wasnt thrashed out long before now though - the auditions are on top of us for both shows and no-one seems to have a clue whats going on - as it says at the end of that article "It’s Simon’s world and we just live in it." - it doesnt seem a very professional way to work - and the stress must be immense trying to please two huge TV Networks. Maybe he thought ITV would bow down to his demands once Fox were locked in to airing XF at the same time...they obviously didnt.

[mary patricia]

Originally Posted by allie5

Seems a bit of a pointless article, although its interesting so many things are popping up about concerns for Simon's health lately. I know some of us have noticed he has definitely looked older, more haggard and decidedly gaunt of late - I do wonder if the journos have got wind of something and Max is out to play it down. If he IS ill though, then I hope he sees sense and cuts down on his workload - TV will still be there in a year - why the hell doesnt he take a proper long stretch of time off and get back to full strength? I guess he is too much of a control freak for that.

They're probably setting the ground work for when he doesn't come back to XF.

[MICH78]

Originally Posted by allie5

This one?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...ke-father.html

Cant see where it says Eric was 61 when he died - but they may have changed it - could have been a typo. Surely even the DM couldnt stoop that low could they??

Seems a bit of a pointless article, although its interesting so many things are popping up about concerns for Simon's health lately. I know some of us have noticed he has definitely looked older, more haggard and decidedly gaunt of late - I do wonder if the journos have got wind of something and Max is out to play it down. If he IS ill though, then I hope he sees sense and cuts down on his workload - TV will still be there in a year - why the hell doesnt he take a proper long stretch of time off and get back to full strength? I guess he is too much of a control freak for that.

I do find it odd that the whole UK / US clash wasnt thrashed out long before now though - the auditions are on top of us for both shows and no-one seems to have a clue whats going on - as it says at the end of that article "It’s Simon’s world and we just live in it." - it doesnt seem a very professional way to work - and the stress must be immense trying to please two huge TV Networks. Maybe he thought ITV would bow down to his demands once Fox were locked in to airing XF at the same time...they obviously didnt.

Thanks for checking that, the print version must be a typo, i thought they were being devious! Insomnia itself is a serious condition and his seems to be brought on by stress in his case. He needs to stop working into the early hours, he can't constantly be awake to speak with America, some things just have to be left to the next day, or trust your employees more to deal with things. The stress has aged him and taken away some of his spark. I hope all this pays off with the success of XF US.

[allie5]

Originally Posted by MICH78

Thanks for checking that, the print version must be a typo, i thought they were being devious! Insomnia itself is a serious condition and his seems to be brought on by stress in his case. He needs to stop working into the early hours, he can't constantly be awake to speak with America, some things just have to be left to the next day, or trust your employees more to deal with things. The stress has aged him and taken away some of his spark. I hope all this pays off with the success of XF US.

Well if he doesnt get up till noon - then there is nothing wrong, per se with keeping odd hours. I can kind of relate to that - I can often find myself doing things to the early hours - but as long as I can roll out of bed around 11 then thats still enough sleep (or usually in my case, get up sort out a few chores then go back to bed ) However if he is only grabbing 2 or 3 hours a sleep a night then thats going to take its toll....coupled with the fact he is probably going to be pulled in twenty different directions trying to sort out the UK TV, US TV, music interests, business matters and probably a million other things in between (I wont even MENTION Kerching's Visa bill ) its just not a sustainable life. I can well understand why his family and friends must be worried.

[Kelley18644]

Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive

It takes its toll, you know.

[DE53]

It's a bit of a cobbled together article. Some insight into why he is the way he is--it couldn't really be about the money now, he has ample!

His father died at 81 of a heart attack but that's not a bad age for a man.

He does look happier and more relaxed of late which he put's down to kerchings influence, although i see from the article he dosen't let her squeeze his papaya's

[allie5]

Originally Posted by DE53

He does look happier and more relaxed of late which he put's down to kerchings influence, although i see from the article he dosen't let her squeeze his papaya's

LOL! He looks happier of late because he left Kerching in LA....they havent been seen together for MONTHS - again - no wonder he is smiling.
Surely its got to be only a matter of days before the DM do one of their in depth relationship analysis articles, pondering how this relationship is working when they only see each other once in a blue moon. Will be interesting to see if the Smitten is resumed once he is back in LA - next week apparently.

[CpC]

I was just about to say that he looks happy when she's not constantly by his side hanging off his arm. The times that they are together and he does look happy is when someone else is around, or he's drunk at the time.