Simon Cowell did not mince words today when asked whether Paula Abdul should have apologized to Jason Castro this week for critiquing his second song before he’d even sung it. “I don’t think [an apology] is necessary, to be honest with you,” the American Idol judge told reporters while promoting America’s Got Talent at NBC’s summer season press day in Pasadena. “I think the whole thing has been blown out of proportion. It was a live show. She made a mistake. He’s a grown-up. Look, it’s a high class problem. He’s singing in front of 25 million people. They’re all lucky to be on the show. You’ve got to put it in perspective. The year it becomes normal is the year I’ll probably leave. I genuinely like it when it’s a bit loopy.”
Cowell did not hide his feelings about the Idol songwriting competition, which last year yielded the oft-mocked “This Is My Now” for winner Jordin Sparks. “I have nothing to do with it — I’d like to bring in the best songwriters in the world,” said Cowell, who joked, “You can guarantee either the word ‘proud’ or ‘moment’ will be in the song. How about ‘I’m Proud to Be in this Moment Now’?” When asked if the final two will get to change up the arrangement to better suit their vocal styles, Cowell hinted at a glimmer of hope: “I won’t give it away, but there’s a slight change to last year which is going to be an improvement.”
Simon’s response is not surprising. He never feels he has to appologize fro anything. So I am sure he thinks, why should Paula? Of course, he is down playing the entire thing. AI just wants Paulagate to go away. But it won’t. I don’t think anyone will listen to the judges the same way again.
I,myself do not think that an appoligy was needed.When people do things,they more than likely have a reason for the action.
I,myself do not think that an appoligy was needed.When people do things,they more than likely have a reason for the action.
People have way to much time on their hands… Simons comment are usually dead on.. and Paula always tries to be nice even when giving a bad critique… Now How many of you out there have made mistakes… said the wrong thing… in front of other people…This is LIVE Television.. she made a mistake so get over it….
When I make mistakes and say the wrong thing in front of people…I say SORRY!
Thank goodness for Mr. Cowell. Paula is human and like all humans she occassionaly makes a mistake just like the rest of us. No harm no foul.
Of all the lame cover-ups for Paula-gate, this one is the worst, because Simon should have the intelligence to do better spin job.
Simon, Simon … abdicating your status to Randy? Jumping on the “tool” train?
How’s life among the bottom-feeders, Simon? How does it feel to lie for a living?
Paula exposed her altered state (“I thought you sang twice!” — what a great judge!), AND let the script slip (exposing AI’s dirty little secret), AND screwed Jason over at the same time.
Now say this again with a straight face: “They’re all lucky to be on the show”
YOU’RE lucky to be on Fox, since Rupert has the FCC in his back pocket.
Thanks for adding to the degradation. What a champ you are.
/end sarcasm
Simon is covering up what happened. It’s not that Paula “made a mistake” – her mistake revealed that the judges are judging according to a SCRIPT. she had a card telling her what comments to make. Her mistake was to be on the wrong page of the script – reading comments for a song that hadn’t been sung.
The “big deal” is not her mistake. The big deal is that there is a SCRIPT in the first place.
Do people who agree it was a “mistake” even know what happened?
Jason had to go ahead and sing after Paula read comments that the performance was bad. How the heck can someone get it together to perform when they know that the judges have their minds made up, and their comments prepared, BEFORE you open your mouth?
How sad. The last AI judge with some integrity has shown that he, too, is no longer deserving of respect. No matter who you are, when you make a mistake that injures another human being, you apologize. Paula is no better than anyone else. She most certainly does owe Jason Castro an apology for putting him in such a humiliating position.
As for those kids being lucky to be there, without those kids, Mr. Cowell would be without a job. In fact, without us viewers, let’s see how much longer he remains employed.
Shame on you, Simon. I thought you had class. I was wrong.
I don’t think Jason needs an apology. Whether she said is presumptuously or not, Paula’s right. He needs to get serious or get out. I can’t help but think if Michael Johns still would have been there. And seriously, if Jason looked like an ogre and still sang that way, would you vote for him? THINK ABOUT IT!
Do y’all want Jason treated like Taylor Hicks if he wins? Is that what y’all want? Just because a person wins the competition doesn’t mean they have to like it.
Jolene: And you know that Paula was reading from a script how? Where is the proof in your accusation? Because I think they made it pretty clear that the judges were taking notes for the performances.
Jason’s been phoning it in for two weeks now. I’m so tired of it. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but I think he’s in over his head. He needs to grow as an artist and a public figure. The Elliott-way would be best for him. Stop trying to make him out to be some STAR when he hasn’t reached that point yet. Coming on this show is the best thing that ever could have happened to him. He will be eternally grateful for the exposure. But, you can’t force people to like him. Some will, and some won’t. TPTB may not want him to win, so is that a crime? Randy and Simon may not like his singing style, but is it wrong for them to express an opinion? Get over it people! Do you see Jason crying about it? It’s hardly worth a stroke or heart attack. This crap has clouded the stupid show. Paula made a mistake. Freakin’…let…it…go. No apology is needed. No apology will be given. Crying about it will only make you sick. So grow up, be an adult about it like Jason has, and…move…on!
So … when the going gets tough … Cowell cowers … and then folds. There’s no “there” there, the center will not hold … AI has jumped the shark … and it turns out Simon can’t swim … so he’s runnin’ scared atop the waves … like the Disney cartoon he once disdained… but has become.