US EditionSimon Cowell Admits He’s “Not Proud” of His Comments to Contestants on American Idol
Simon Cowell regrets his harsh early judging on American Idol, blaming pressure and editing; he softened his approach and expressed shame for humiliating contestants.
- Speaking to The New York Times on December 1, 2025, Simon Cowell apologised for insulting contestants and said he was not proud of his past conduct.
- Facing early pressure to find talent, Cowell said long audition days and producers and editors shaped his blunt style on American Idol, amplifying his harsh critiques.
- Paradoxically, those viral moments also include YouTube compilations that drew millions of views and Cowell's earlier admissions that he crossed a line and felt appalled.
- Cowell says his on-air persona softened over time after recognising he had crossed a line, and he now rarely watches the viral clips because they are difficult to revisit.
- Cowell is promoting a Netflix series that launches on December 10 and follows his search for a new boy band; he helped launch American Idol as one of the original three judges and now serves as a judge on America's Got Talent.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Simon Cowell acknowledges 'being a d---' on 'American Idol': 'I'm sorry'
He recalls that audition days, because they were "long" and "boring."Trae Patton/NBC via Getty Simon Cowell, now a judge on 'America's Got Talent,' looks back on his 'American Idol' daysSimon Cowell built quite a reputation for the harsh criticism that he dished out to American Idol contestants.From 2002 to 2010, the music mogul instilled fear in wannabe music stars with his blunt commentary. He doesn't blame anyone for hating him, but he does h…
Simon Cowell Apologizes for ‘Being a Dick’ on ‘American Idol’: ‘I’m Not Proud of It’
Simon Cowell is well aware that he gained a reputation for harsh, cutting criticism as a judge on “American Idol.” The record exec and TV personality apologized for some of his comments on the show in a new interview with The New York Times‘ podcast The Interview. “I did realize I’d probably gone too far,” Cowell said. “I didn’t particularly like audition days, because they’re long and boring. I would get fed up. And of course, out of a hundre…
Simon Cowell 'Sorry' He Was So Mean on American Idol, Insists He 'Wasn't Trying to Be a D--k on Purpose'
Simon Cowell says he doesn't look back with pride at his own behavior on American Idol, apologizing for "being a d--k" with many of his nasty comments, that nevertheless helped cement the show as a ratings juggernaut in its early seasons.
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