Danny Noriega: Simon Made Me Cry

"American Idol" Castoff Hurt By Cranky Judge's Words

(CBS)  Recent "American Idol" reject Danny Noriega says he was hurt by judge Simon Cowell's brutal critiques on the show.

"When you get called grotesque and useless what do you take from that?" he told Ellen Degeneres during an appearance on her talk show Wednesday. "It just lowers your self-esteem so after I hear 'useless' I just zone out ... like an airhead ... like I don't care anymore. The first time he called me grotesque I started crying, I was bawling."

Degeneres pointed out that Cowell was referring to Noriega's performance, not to him. But, she did agree that he was too harsh with his words.

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Photos: "American Idol" Season 7

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"I like Simon he's a friend but he's being really rude," she said. "He's telling girls - like Kristy Lee Cook - he told her she was forgettable, she didn't have a personality and that no one will ever remember her. You don't need to tell people that and he shouldn't have said that to you. He's being mean."

"Yeah, he's a bully," Noriega agreed.

Cowell didn't bid farewell to Noriega after the 18-year-old singer was voted off the show on March 6.

"They swept me off the stage really quick but Paula and Randy came backstage. No Simon," he said.

Degeneres told Noriega that she was going to take Cowell to task on his behavior, saying "I'm going to call him. I'm going to talk to him because that's mean."

Noriega was part of the group of 24 contestants chosen for the first round of voting by the public, with four going home each week. The show, now down to the final 12 singers, will reveal which one is going home this week on tonight's episode, airing on Fox at 9 p.m. ET.

[louklou51]

We shouldn''t be surprised at the behavior of Simon,afterall he is the king of mean.

[congaqween]

I understand that the entertainment business is a tough biz.....point noted, so are we to assume that it is full of ***** like Simon? Is he a true reflection and representation of the calibre of people that the industry is comprised of? I dont thinks so....Simon''s comments(most of which are not of any real constructive value),as a judge of a singing competition should be of edification to these young people who so courageously take a great risk to follow their dreams. How many of us would have a tenth of that courage to stand before MILLIONS of viewers each and every week for a shot at their dream! Simon does very little to give them encouragement when he is in a positon to do so...what does that say about him? Shame on you Simon for picking on little kids, just because you can!!! I wonder if he goes home and kicks his dog after a great show when he is done having these KIDS for dinner!!!
Grow up Simon!!! ....iiiissshhh!

[notopennshut]

Everyone hates Simon''s comments, but they always carry the most weight and he is usually right. We get sick of Paula and her incoherent "critique". Her words of "love, touch and pierce the heart"and other sickly adjectives are actually a disservice to the contestants. give them encouragement but not total rubbish, which is what she seems to be saying most of the time.

[marlenemn]

Remember, Danny, when you said that comment (when you auditioned) about only %u201Cgood looking people%u201D should be in this completion?
To be treated unfairly doesn%u2019t feel so good, does it?

[jasbek]

Are you kidding? What a big baby. Haven''t we watched Simon''s comments for about 7 years now? I think thats enough time to know his personality and that he is blunt. Get over it, he is right 99% of the time!

[nolalou]

The music industry is a rough business! If not for American Idol, then it would have been some producer or recording company executive telling him he had no talent! You can''t take it, then don''t get into the business!

[killtheliars]

why don''t they just let everyone win, that way we don''t have to worry about anyone''s feelings being hurt