Simon Cowell's Golden Touch

CNN's Anderson Cooper Interviews The Acerbic "American Idol" Judge

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on March 18, 2007. It was updated on Aug. 14, 2007.

This year an average of 30 million Americans tuned in to every episode of "American Idol," on FOX. By any measure the numbers are impressive, but it's not just pop star wannabes that keep people watching — it's also the judges, in particular 47-year-old Simon Cowell.

His verbal assaults on the contestants are often downright cruel, but the TV audience seems to love them. FOX reportedly pays him more than $30 million a year and he gets another $38 million annually to be a judge on a similar show in England. What most viewers probably don't realize however is that Simon Cowell isn't just a high-paid judge.

As CNN anchor and 60 Minutes contributor Anderson Cooper reports, he's now one of the most successful music figures in the world — though he admits he has no musical ability at all.

---

He doesn't sing, read music or produce albums, and he says he plays the guitar "very badly." So what does Cowell do? With a laugh, he tells Cooper, "[I] guess what's gonna be popular. Literally that."

---

Photos: Simon Says
Photos: The Hate List
Photos: The Road To "American Idol"

---

So does he ever feel like a fraud at times?

"Well, no, because I think 99 percent of the people who watch the show are in the same position as me. They know when somebody's good or not," Cowell says. "And for me, it's been a help not knowing too much. So I can rely on my instincts."

Instincts are what Cowell credits for his success, but it's how he displays those instincts that have made him a household name. And there's no shortage of people who want to take him on.

"American Idol," which wrapped up its sixth season in May, is more popular than ever. Tens of thousands show up to audition. There are a talented few, but an untalented many — and that's where Cowell comes in.

"Thank you, Nicholas. What the bloody hell was that?" Cowell said to one "Idol" hopeful.

---

Photos: Sixth Time For "Idol"
Photos: "Idol" Worship
Photos: The Original "Idol"

---

So aren't some of those hopefuls there just to get on TV?

"We've got a lot of people in the auditions who had — who were going to sing badly on purpose and we never show them. The people we show are the people who genuinely believe they're gonna win. And that's what's fascinating," he says.

"Every one of those people, no matter how bad they are, they really think they have talent?" asks Cooper.

"Every single one," answers Cowell. "Every single one."

Cowell is ruthless to them, critiquing not just their performance but, in some cases, their physical appearance.

"You look like one of those creatures who live in the jungle with those massive eyes. What are they called? Bush Babies?" he told another during "Idol" auditions.

Cowell says the conflict makes for good TV and he's not about to apologize for it — quite the contrary.

"Some people have equated it to a medieval stoning — that it's the same kind of motivation which people watch it," Cooper says.

"It's an interesting thought for a show where we actually could do that," he says.

But would Cowell really consider it?

"Why not?" he laughs. "I can see a similarity to a point. But it's human nature. You know, we are fascinated with that."

Does he think everything should be shown on TV? Yes. Even public executions?

"I think people should be given the choice to watch them, I guess. Yeah, why not?" he says.

"With commercials?" asks Cooper.

"Sponsorship," Cowell responds with more laughter. "Yeah, sponsorship."

[ssporleder]

As much as I hate to admit it, I think Simon has drawn the public to watch American Idol.
The viewers did not vote for Jennifer Hudson, Simon did not boot her off.
His comments, positive and negative, are usually correct, especially last night - the men are horrific.
I do not know why the judges picked who they did in the various cities, and they only have themselves to blame for a bland male section.
I feel bad that these guys now have to take jabs now, when they were chosen by the three judges, and are failing on TV in front of millions.

[chicatibu]

There's a price to be paid for the privilege of performing on national television. Anyone who accepts an invitation to show their talent on American Idol knows there's a risk of being put down by all three hosts.
The show isn't one of my "Must watch" but it does give otherwise unknowns an opportunity.

[missourimike-2009]

Hey 60 Minutes, good luck unraveling the megalomaniac named Simon. By the way,
can Simon sing?

[mcgrabels]

As callous as he is, he's usually correct in his assessments of the performances.

[cowardkerry]

Simon is right on, life is tough, liberals can't handle the truth, so no wonder 60 lies has a problem with him.

[ardentscythe]

Simon Cowell the best thing to happen to American TV in a long time. American Idol is a very good show because of Simon. I like the honesty and telling it like it is. Randy and Paula are good too.

[daddrabb]

I agree with poster chicatibu.Some of these goofy i mean they have got to know that they can,t carry a note in their pocket.I mean their parents friends have did most of the damage to their children who get up on t.v. where they know millions of people and told their spolided bratty kids o yes baby darling you sing like a bird, yea right a whooping crane bird. So they take them any way knowing full well that they have 0 chances then when the little spoiled kids come out thst door whinning crying momma o momma simon was so cruel no u brat he told you the truth finally. but momma still says baby o my dear baby he,s wrong they are all wrong we,ll bring you back next yr and in between that time we,ll take you every place we can to let you sing in that non voice. AND CHURCHES we know folks in the churches wont hurt your poor little feelings not in front of you any way darling. dadd rabb.... p.s. its true the plain truth hurts some times. get over it and go back 2 work at tha conveniace store lol.

[southcst1]

Without Simon, there would be no American Idol. He's made the show what it is by being the callous bad guy. When he's not there, your'e left with Paula mentally whacked out on whatever, and "wuz up dawg" Randy Jackson . . . . boooooring

[jeffwayne7]

I have become an average fan of American Idol. By that, I mean I watch it, but if I missed it I could care less.

If Simon were not on the show, I would NOT watch the show other than maybe the finals. Simon is right over 90% of the time (although he couldn't have been more wrong last year with Taylor Hicks).

He is hilarious. He is accurate. He is not overpaid because he has earned the right to make that ridiculoous amount of money ($36,000,000) because he is the reason American Idol is what it is.

I like Paula and Randy, too. The difference is if one of them went into drug rehab or something and missed a season, the show would go on. The show is DEAD with Cowell.....and obviously the producers and network know this.

[jeffwayne7]

I have become an average fan of American Idol. By that, I mean I watch it, but if I missed it I could care less.

If Simon were not on the show, I would NOT watch the show other than maybe the finals. Simon is right over 90% of the time (although he couldn't have been more wrong last year with Taylor Hicks).

He is hilarious. He is accurate. He is not overpaid because he has earned the right to make that ridiculoous amount of money ($36,000,000) because he is the reason American Idol is what it is.

I like Paula and Randy, too. The difference is if one of them went into drug rehab or something and missed a season, the show would go on. The show is DEAD with Cowell.....and obviously the producers and network know this.

[jeffwayne7]

I have become an average fan of American Idol. By that, I mean I watch it, but if I missed it I could care less.

If Simon were not on the show, I would NOT watch the show other than maybe the finals. Simon is right over 90% of the time (although he couldn't have been more wrong last year with Taylor Hicks).

He is hilarious. He is accurate. He is not overpaid because he has earned the right to make that ridiculoous amount of money ($36,000,000) because he is the reason American Idol is what it is.

I like Paula and Randy, too. The difference is if one of them went into drug rehab or something and missed a season, the show would go on. The show is DEAD with Cowell.....and obviously the producers and network know this.

[kirkules]

I haven't watched much of Idol mostly because I think they make too much of enjoying rejection. The delusional who think they can sing no matter how funny don't deserve to be deliberately humiliated and then confused on television. Not good enough well than not good enough. Why make a spectacle of it?

[kirkules]

I haven't watched much of Idol mostly because I think they make too much of enjoying rejection. The delusional who think they can sing no matter how funny don't deserve to be deliberately humiliated and then confused on television. Not good enough well than not good enough. Why make a spectacle of it?

[oleander8]

"Simon is right on, life is tough, liberals can't handle the truth, so no wonder 60 lies has a problem with him." [Posted by cowardkerry]

So, even a news blurb about Simon Cowell comes down to "liberals" vs "whatever-you-are"? Ridiculous!

I would not watch American Idol if Simon wasn't there! He is the only one that knows what he's talking about. Paula is dopey, Randy doesn't know music either.
Moot

[jebby_one]

ha haa Simon reminds me a little of Dan Rather when Dan was consumed with smearing President Bush.

The difference it that Simon comes across as an honest man just trying to do his job while Dan Rather comes across as a political operative engaging in hate mongering.

[larry676]

The jebby_one comments in reference to Cowell v. Rather are absolutely stupid and paranoid.

This is about a profile about the star of a goofy entertainment show, people! This isn't about whether or not some story got doctored up.

You people! Rather's long gone. Move on. Like to Ailes and his obvious bias!

I can't believe I'm arguing with the likes of you people. I used to be the news director of a small midwest CBS affiliate. We didn't have to deal with bias arguments. We just had to deal with whether or not we had enough time to cover everything we knew was important to viewers.

Now, I'm down to arguments over the likes of Simon Cowell. Thank God I'm in print media.

[tonypaducah]

Larry, aren't we a might full of ourselves? You are very typical example of the leftwing elitist media. And your bias is very obvious as well,Larry.

[melbournedav]

Just further proof of the sick society we live in today. Your American idol is not a doctor, scientist, military hero, inventor, writer or anyone else with a brain. It's a friggin singer. No wonder this country is going right down the sh*tter. You people are really sick.

[stevelv]

Simon is pretty high on his horse from what I've seen but I can't comment too much. I just don't understand all the Americans who waste their time watching this IDOL ***. You can read about it in the papers the next day. The only reason I watch occasionally is to see how wacked out Paula is on that particular show and to see how on earth she keeps her job and keeps doing whatever anti-depresent, stimulant or whatever else she has chosen to do for the week. Paula, let me know what your doing because there are many of us who want to know so we csn get as spaced out as you and keep our jobs.

[americanbear]

America...what has become of you???? Well in one word..nothing new.

Fisrt, I've been guilty of watching American Idol myself, but the stupidity surrounding the booing of Simon and the results of "public" voting are not a surprize. America has become so socially polite and politically correct that we can't tell people the truth....especially when they don't have a talent. Either majority of Americans who hate Simon are tone deaf or they are just too ashamed to hear the truth. If someone does not have an ability maybe we shouldn't keep pushing them to pursue a stupid dream...maybe their time is better spent on soemthing else.. Just maybe they were meant to do something else in life...

However, that conclusion would require majority of the population to actually use their brains.. and that wuld be a dangerous thing for America..people thinking...that is exactly why we don't have a standardized system of public education and actually need Hollywood (i.e. American Idol) and Professional Sports. Otherwise..if people stop watching TV and actually start thinking....we would be in trouble....wouldn't we???

[californiar]

Relax. Most people are ok with critique. Where Simon becomes abnoxious and borderline cruel is when he occasionally adds his over the top comments which are made usually for ratings sake. That's unnecessary.

The very people who complain about people being too sensitive would be the first to become defensive theirselves if I tore apart their comments in this very section.

[californiar]

Relax. Most people are ok with critique. Where Simon becomes abnoxious and borderline cruel is when he occasionally adds his over the top comments which are made usually for ratings sake. That's unnecessary.

The very people who complain about people being too sensitive would be the first to become defensive theirselves if I tore apart their comments in this very section.

[fubaglady]

The thing is....Simon is always right. He's not touchy feely in the way he gives criticism. But he tells the truth. I like him for his honesty. People today are way too pussified to tell it like it is, which is being dishonest.

[americanbear]

"The very people who complain about people being too sensitive would be the first to become defensive theirselves if I tore apart their comments in this very section."

First of all, you're making a big assumption in that comment. Second, there is never anything wrong with constructive criticism......the operative word here is "constructive." Criticising someone just for the sake of criticism is stupid and serves no purpose. When done properly, it only promotes dialogue and creative exchange of ideas for the sake of future improvement.

[americanbear]

American Idle is a Reality Show

TV Shows in general Need to Produce Ratings (Simon is one of the instruments to do that).

This TV show sells itself as a "singing competition" and hosts "Open Tryouts."

People who actually find the time to "try out" for this show:

a. Believe they have a singing talent

b. Are looking for fast
Fame & Fortune as an "American Idol"

So why is the public so *** upset when these people get criticised for having "NO TALENT!"

To my knowledge, FOX did not force any of these morons to attend the addition. Idol producers did not stand there with a gun pulling people in from the street to sing karaoke. They came of their own free will. Many looking for easy publicity, fame and $$$.

Any public humiliation that results from these people being on this program is the result of their own actions. Has Simon gone over the top with some of his criticism? Maybe.. But who cares???? Its a TV show...

People in U.S. get upset when they hear something which is considered taboo (be it the truthful criticism...or closed-minded bigotry). But guess what, just because people don't say something out loud, doesn't mean they don't think it! Much of racism, anti-semitism and bigotry still thrives in America today. However, our intolerance to listen to it has not gotten rid of it....it just swept it under the rug. When stuff is said out loud...right or wrong...it allows for dialogue or acton...

Some people are unable to take Simon's no nonsense approach. Telling the truth into someone eyes these days is so politically incorrect.

The show is going on for years, all these people KNOW what they can expect. So, if they go there, they can expect what's coming. If this criticism of Simon happened during the first year, it would be at least debatable, but now, it is downright silly.

Could someone tell me, how this Sanjaya character makes it week after week? Seriously...

Gabor

[gooseberrie1]

The word is Sanjaya is returning each week because the good people of India are text messaging their votes for him 'en masse'. I believe the last time I checked, it's AMERICAM Idol and tho I imagine Sanjaya is in fact, American, maybe just maybe we could contain the voting to our good people. I'm afraid the flame is diminishing rapidly for Idol. The lack of talent is the bottom line. The thrill is gone.

[ricardo4max]

truth has always been the enemy of liberals and the politically correct police. Simon tells the truth about contestants. They should expect nothing less. Some of the evil things lies and the most caustic unjustified criticism, that have emerged from the mouths of these liberals make them the world's biggest hypocrites.
Idol is through after this year if that horrible untalented load Sanjaya continues to appear.

[ricardo4max]

truth has always been the enemy of liberals and the politically correct police. Simon tells the truth about contestants. They should expect nothing less. Some of the evil things lies and the most caustic unjustified criticism, that have emerged from the mouths of these liberals make them the world's biggest hypocrites.
Idol is through after this year if that horrible untalented load Sanjaya continues to appear.

[ricardo4max]

truth has always been the enemy of liberals and the politically correct police. Simon tells the truth about contestants. They should expect nothing less. Some of the evil things lies and the most caustic unjustified criticism, that have emerged from the mouths of these liberals make them the world's biggest hypocrites.
Idol is through after this year if that horrible untalented load Sanjaya continues to appear.

[gunnerv1]

Do you people really watch this tripe? I have much better things to do with my time then have this garbage on! This is just a rehash of the Gong Show!

[scorpio44m]

I think Simon is awesome... And American Idol is good... Simon's criticism is healthy... There are a lot more mean pple in Hollywood and if they can't take Simon then they are not cut out for the "big time" anyways, right?

[lambofgoth]

One word ricardo4max:
Watergate.

[tucson23]

It's funny how some people see even American Idol in terms of Liberal v. Conservative. Guess what, I'm a Liberal and I agree with Simon 99% of the time. It's simply not an issue of political or social philosophy. Besides, Ricardo, I'm willing to bet you can't even provide a definition of Liberal or Conservative...like most people, you simply label things then judge them according to the label you give them. I call that simply stupid--let me guess: You call yourself "conservative" because your parents told you so, right? Pathetic.

[debluezzman]

whos cares anyway

[lvmy3ds]

Paula likes everyone, even if they can't sing. Randy is a waste of time on the show. Simon is the only one thats honest and knows what his is talking about.

[p167082]

What the heck does "pitchy" mean? Let's put an end to "Yo, dog."

[j45p80]

I wouldn't watch the show if Simon wasn't on it. I agree with him 99% of the time and what kind of talent coach would he be if he weren't honest? Is he not entitled to his own opinion just like everyone else? I think a positive comment from him means more to the contestants because they know they must have earned it. Look at the music industry - he's only trying to help them be successful. You may not like what he says but it's usually true.

[drivethru98]

Simon seeks to provide entertainment for his audience... that's a given. At the same time, as a professional, he's looking for marketable talent. Some contestants have the voice, but not the presentation, the look, or the attitude needed to sell the product. It takes all four of these things and a lot of luck to make money in a very tough market. That's what it is all about... you have to make money to stay alive in the business.

[diputsdiputs]

I say Go Simon....Get rid of Randy AND Paula....Get some new blood in there. Simon needs some other people to bounce off of or else he might "bounce" off a few contestant's! I would go crazy listening to all the Wannabe's, I'm sure he does too. It's a job, it's entertainment, and that's Simon...Gotta Love Him :-)

[mitywhity]

Who cares about American IDLE? Get your bloated duffs up off the couch and go DO SOMETHING! TV IS GARBAGE.

[drb91]

How can Simon be a judge -- the "star" judge -- for a vocal competition when he knows absolutely nothing about music. According to the research I have done, Simon has never been musically trained, he does not play an instrument, and he certainly does not sing. Randy and Paula are qualified judges because they ARE musicians. Simon is NOT! In other words, his comments on the show have no credibility. Simon might know how to promote a musician or a music-related performance, program, etc., but that's NOT what the show is about. It's about critiquing musical ability, and Simon has no skills in that area.

[jeffwayne7]

I have become an average fan of American Idol. By that, I mean I watch it, but if I missed it I could care less.

If Simon were not on the show, I would NOT watch the show other than maybe the finals. Simon is right over 90% of the time (although he couldn't have been more wrong last year with Taylor Hicks).

He is hilarious. He is accurate. He is not overpaid because he has earned the right to make that ridiculoous amount of money ($36,000,000) because he is the reason American Idol is what it is.

I like Paula and Randy, too. The difference is if one of them went into drug rehab or something and missed a season, the show would go on. The show is DEAD with Cowell.....and obviously the producers and network know this.

[omega39-2009]

as the country burns, the media fiddles, surly there is more substantive news out there than who got booted off American idol.

[adcrager]

The show is what it is with the mix of judges there is in place, granted, Simon makes the show, but it would not be the same with any one of the judges gone. Perfect balance. AND, if someone has a problem with any one of the judges, on the musical credentials, then they don't need to put themselves in the position of being judged by them.

[drinuk]

Cowell is an egotistical twit, albeit he is quite correct in his judgement 90% of the time.
The intended policy of being controversial in his remarks to contestants is fully designed to be just that. His remarks and comments however do expose his nasty character and a lack of elementary english, his pathetic attempts to analogize in his criticism often leaves him looking stupid. Hey! but does he care? don't bet on it. This years winner is without a shadow of doubt is Melinda Doolittle AND if not the show will been seen as a Fix, loosing credibility it may never get back.

[drinuk]

Cowell is an egotistical twit, albeit he is quite correct in his judgement 90% of the time.
The intended policy of being controversial in his remarks to contestants is fully designed to be just that. His remarks and comments however do expose his nasty character and a lack of elementary english, his pathetic attempts to analogize in his criticism often leaves him looking stupid. Hey! but does he care? don't bet on it. This years winner is without a shadow of doubt is Melinda Doolittle AND if not the show will been seen as a Fix, loosing credibility it may never get back.

[retirede8ss]

This man is an example for all Americans and Politicians, someone who worked his way up from mail room clerk to Head producer of the most popular TV show of the decade. And if you are offended by an honest opinion, then you will never be a leader, get over it! Take ten minutes and do the reasearch on what he did to get to where he is.

[gacfmging]

As always the Brits have it for irony and humor.
Some of Simon's remarks are over the top, but thank god they are honest. It's too bad that Paula comes across as a sort of drugged out twit. It would really be nice to have a woman, singer-songwriter who is smart, attractive and can give as good as she gets with Simon. Someone with a softer edge, but not such a ditz.
I'm not in that business, so no one comes to mind. I also wouldn't mind seeing someone like the Quincy Jones type as a guest. I have to say that Diana Ross was pretty pathetic last night.
I was thinking that there should have been a thought bubble over Simon's head. is an icon, but
I think that many of the women have fabulous voices, this go 'round, so we aren't sitting through weeks and weeks of really pathetic singers. I wouldn't mind less commercials...it drives me crazy. I would actually like to see more collaberation, where singers have to work in groups of three or more with the guidance of professionals. I feel that would be a very interesting challange.

Carry on Simon....