Candid 'Idol' talk from the Paley Festival

March 01, 11:26 PM

American Idol is TV's most popular show, a fact you'd easily have guessed from the crowd at Thursday (March 1) night's Idol panel at the Museum of Television & Radio's 24th Annual William S. Paley Television Festival. The devotion wasn't demonstrated through the crowd's enthusiasm or intelligence so much as from the sense that the most of the crowd actually opted to stay at home to watch the Idol results show that was programmed head-to-head with the Paley presentation.

Although the Directors Guild theater in Hollywood was only around two-thirds full, those who skipped the proceedings missed just about the most boisterous and appealingly punch-drunk group of Idol judges and producers I've ever seen.

Things started off rough. First, the event began with a clip from Gidget that was almost certainly intended for Monday night's Brothers & Sisters panel. Then MT&R President and CEO Pat Mitchell announced that it had gotten to be past Ryan Seacrest's bedtime and the Idol host had left. Mitchell went on to botch the name and resume of every member of the panel, earning particular laughter for talking about judge "Randy Johnson" who got his start playing bass (pronounced, strangely, like the fish, rather than the stringed-instrument) for Journey.

It didn't matter who moderated, though. After a long day of preparation and taping, the Idol team was in fine fettle.

Take this exchange regarding how soon the judges know when they have a true star in the audition room:

"The obvious, obvious ones were Fantasia, Ruben and Carrie Underwood," Simon Cowell began.

Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson insisted that they'd known all along on Kelly Clarkson as well, which fans of the show know darned well isn't true.

After a bit of back and forth, Simon threw up his hands and announced "OK. I'm right."

Diminutive FOX reality guru Mike Darnell rushed in with "Simon's right."

Randy: Well, I was the first one who spotted Fantasia.

Paula: I spotted Elvis.

Simon: You were around then.

In general, the judges were spectacularly candid. Well, Simon was spectacularly candid.

Take his somewhat concerned take on Taylor Hicks winning last season's title and then being easily outsold by Chris Daughtry: "If it becomes a popularity contest, it's like winning Big Brother, nothing's going to happen."

Of the show's general impact on the music industry, Cowell observed, "Some say it's the death of the music industry and other people say it's brought back interest. I personally couldn't care less."

Everybody on the panel, particularly Darnell, wanted to emphasize that Idol was a reality show more than just a television show and that the ability to root for or against specific contestants was what sets Idol apart for NBC's Grease program (a mocking comparison Darnell made specifically).

Simon also took aim at former Idol contestants who attempt to distance themselves from the show after their season, saying that very few returning Idol contestants have taken the time to go around and thank the behind-the-scenes Idol staff, referencing Fantasia as one of the rare winners who have stayed humble. He also took exception to Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson's recent interviews downplaying the importance of Idol in her career arc.

"It wasn't just a stepping stone," he said plainly. "It was her big opportunity to get noticed. She got noticed. And she got Dreamgirls."

Some other candid moments and revelations:

Warwick confirmed that the British Invasion theme night is a replacement for the highly anticipated Beatles night, though the tribute to the Fab Four may return in a future season. Apparently after Paul McCartney and George Martin were unable to do it, the producers decided to delay Beatles Night for another time ("Ringo was available," Simon cracked). Warwick also said that they're having to turn stars away this season due to a variety of time and space restraints including, most recently, Janet Jackson ("I don't blame you," Simon added. "10 years ago...").

Although Darnell noted, "There's a lot of nerves with the boys this year," Randy and Simon both insisted that once their confidence levels know up, between two and four of the disappointing Idol men will be ready for bigger things. Cowell specifically emphasized that this year's men are far better than the Season One lot, saying, "You know, the best was Justin. I'm not being rude, just putting it in perspective."

Listing their most memorable Idol moments, Simon referenced Tamyra Gray's surprising elimination, Randy the transformation of Clay Aiken, Ken Warwick celebrated last finale's meeting between Aiken and the deluded Aiken wannabe, while Cecile Frot-Coutaz remembered the first time Kelly sang "Respect."

In each audition city, the judges specifically warn potential contestants that they may be insulted and that they should leave if anybody doesn't want to be insulted on television ("Not a single person has ever left," Simon added).

Paula's parents vote and won't answer her calls immediately after shows.

in American Idol , FOX , Paley Festival , Reality TV

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Comments (21)

Comments

You can't believe a word these people say. They will twist facts, ignore the truth and spin anything to get the attention and to leave the impression they want for the show. The singers are merely pawns moved around into approved or disapproved boxes as needed.

Jennifer Hudson was treated like a disposable loser until she made it. Now they clainm her as their own. If Taylor suddenly sells well, they will claim they always knew he would. It's a game packed with twists and turns but don't expect the truth.

Daver | Mar 2, 2007 4:48:54 AM | #

Ruben has proven he was NOT the 'true star' the judges tried to make him be.(Even Simon admitted in his book that Clay was the best that came out of AI) He cannot tour on his own and has trouble selling just a few hundred tickets to any concert where he is the 'headliner'. Most people now realize he was 'handed' the title due to a terrible phone glitch concerning the incredible amounts of votes Clay Aiken was receiving. According to a producer Clay was receiving 80 percent of the votes every single week he was on. Just by the signage in the crowd proves that! The very next year 3 lines were given each contestant and the voting time was increased to 4 hours; to prevent what happened the year before. There are 2 lines now accorded each contestant. Clay was the one who Emceed the AI2 Xmas show, NOT Ruben. The producers knew who the real star of AI2 was. And so did/does America!!

sts | Mar 2, 2007 5:03:40 AM | #

hudson is just an ungrateful whinny girl. she already has turned her back on the people who helped her get where she is.

the world | Mar 2, 2007 7:23:06 AM | #

I have to agree a bit about Jennifer Hudson being whinny. Are they so naive that they don't know what's going to happen on a t.v. show? Of course they are going to produce it and tell the contestants how to act and try to get them to do certain things. They want the show to be successful, that's what it's all about, not about the contestants. No one would have ever heard of Jennifer Hudson if she hadn't been on that show. She probably would not have gotten the chance to even audition for a movie like Dreamgirls. So get over it and just be glad you are where you are. Try going to college for four years, working, going to law school for three years and making $15.00 an hour at a non-profit. And then having kids and then having to go back to work not because you want to but because you have to. Geesh!!! Stop complaining about your fabulous life you ungrateful little princess!

Sue | Mar 2, 2007 7:38:57 AM | #

it just makes me sick that the producers and judges of Idol try to take CREDIT for the success these people have AFTER the show! they do their best to humilate them and have no qualms about calling them fat, ugly, boring, and any other varied version of insult they think will get them RATINGS! that's all it is for them, ratings...they don't care if these artists have success after the show is over, cuz as Simon said, he doesn't care what their place in music is. They need to stop acting like for them it's about the music and the artists when the reality is, for them it's about Fox's biggest hit EVER and the revenue it generates. I suspect every winner or former contestant that appears could fail miserably and as long as they could continue having a high rated show, they'd keep going. BUT allow someone who appeared on Idol to have actual, legitimate success, like Kelly Clarkson (whom they've been dissing since shortly after her win in 2002 and who has appeared on more idol related programing than ANY former winner or constestant ever) or Jennifer Hudson and then it's all about giving them credit for discovering them? To me a discovery is when you find someone who you weren't really LOOKING FOR...they held auditions, the artists showed up..if they had the talent to get through isn't that to the artists credit not the judges and producers unless of course they want to be credited with not being dumbasses? which clearly that's what they want credit for but I think that's a stretch...they put through Leah Labelle, JPL, and Jim V to the top rounds...are those really examples of a good eye for talent? I think not.

Shannon | Mar 2, 2007 8:09:01 AM | #

Could Jennifer Hudson have landed her role on Dreamgirls without the AI exposure? Somewhat doubtful, but possible. Did she win the Oscar because she had been on American Idol? No. She won the Oscar based on her performance. That being said, AI did open doors for her. I hope she acknowledges that fact. I'm convinced that with the exception of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, being the winner of your season isn't necessarily the best thing for your career. The 'losers' seem to be doing remarkably well, thank you very much.

Siansonea | Mar 2, 2007 9:52:19 AM | #

not a singel AI contestant would be anywhere close to where they are today without the show. it's sad but a true reflection of the power of tv. does anyone believe clay would be where he is without ai? no, it was a life changing experience. same as for hudson despite her ungrateful backlash against the show.

The World | Mar 2, 2007 10:00:14 AM | #

I agree that all of these contestants should be grateful to AI. Should they have to continually say thank you each time they do an interview? No. Should AI give them more respect after they are off the show? Yes. I have heard Hudson, Aiken, and Fantasia give props to AI many times. In a recent interview, Aiken said he loved doing the show and would do it again as it was an amazing learning experience. And it is. Simon could care less about these kids so he should just shut up.

Bonnie | Mar 2, 2007 11:35:55 AM | #

Let's see.... Simon didn't even want to put Kelly C. thru to the Top 30 & told her she was unmemorable... He didn't really want to send Clay A. to Hollywood even after hearing the most gorgeous, unique voice ever on that show & later told him he'd never sell records, only Broadway tickets... He didn't want Jennifer H. in the Top 12 & later told her she was out of her league (against Pencil Boy & Johnny Red & the Huffster?!)... He didn't want to put Taylor H. thru to Hollywood & said he'd never ever make the finals.... Of course, any time any of them has a great success after the show, Simon has & will be right there claiming he loved them all along, gave them their big break & it was America who voted against them. Hypocrite!

Rick | Mar 2, 2007 12:40:01 PM | #

I agree with the poster that said AI isn't interested in what happens to these people's careers after they leave the show, unless they make it big and then they want their props. AI may expose them and give them an audience but they also cruelly use them and dispose of them at will. I don't get a culture that embraces the likes of Simon Cowell who is an egotistical, narcissitic, rude, arrogant prick. He also cruelly uses his power to either help their careers or works against them to make sure they don't go anywhere. Yes, he can do that and he does because he's on a power trip and doesn't like to be wrong. The only thing Jennifer Hudson should thank him for is kicking her off the show and making himself look like an ass. Go Jennifer, Simon is full of himself, American will eventually turn on his pompous ass and send him packing.

roger | Mar 2, 2007 4:06:17 PM | #

Can't believe I'm posting because I hate to give Simon and his drivel any unneccesary attention, but I'm weak. I take great exception to Simon's comments, both in this forum and elsewhere, that many of the former AI winners and other very successful contestants are ungrateful to the show for their exposure, opportunities and success. I frankly don't believe it, at least to the extreme that Simon is implying. Simon has a truly impressive ego. Impressive and voracious. He clearly craves the kudos (he's so smart and credible and always backs the right singer) and apparantly needs to believe that he is personally responsible for any contestant's post Idol success (though I'm going to asume that Simon genuinely believes the other judges and the show are at least partially responsible as well. Ahem). No false modesty here. In fact, no modesty at all. I certainly agree that without the show, most of these kids would likely have gone nowhere in the business, but I think they know that, too, for the most part. I strongly suspect that the real problem, here, is that these kids are simply not not expressing their gratitude in sufficiently defferential and dramatic fashion. I think anyone who actually pays attention to Simon's many diatribes would agree that his criticism of many of these kids, which often continues after the show, can be denigrating, belittling and downright nasty, especially towards those who have been successful but were not among his chosen favorites. I have no doubt their success irks him. One has to wonder why that is such an issue for him.

My jaw actually dropped over Simon's pouty display during a recent idol show when one of the contestents pointed out that he had pretty much passed on Jennifer Hudson as a real contender for winning season 3. His defensive response (and the other judges as well) was that they were the ones who discovered Jennifer and put her on the show, and the it was the Americal public that voted her off, not him and the other judges. I think he missed her point, as least as I chose to interpret it. Simon DID tell Jennifer she was out of her league, and made other dissmissive statements regarding her relevence when she was on the show. His response to this year's contestant was an attempt to deflect the perception that he didn't see Jennifer as someone who was going to "make it" and I think it horrifies him that the public might perceive that he really did miss her "it" factor.

Deb | Mar 2, 2007 7:10:14 PM | #

Jennifer Hudson's success has nothing to do with American Idol. If anything, it showed that America was less likely to take to her than they were to talentless fools like John Stevens. She's owes the show nothing as she was the one who had to endure an arduous and over year long audition process.

That poor girl has been put through the ringer. The studios didn't even mention her name in the promos until she garnered Oscar Buzz. It was all about Jamie Foxx, Beyonce and Eddie Murphy until everyone realized who the real star of the show was. American Idol has done much for the industry but they take way too much credit for things that have nothing to do with the show.

Michael | Mar 3, 2007 5:05:23 AM | #

Oh come ON ... you people watch the show, right? You know that 9 times out of 10, Simon is bang on. He has a far better ear AND EYE for a potential star than either Randy or Paula.

Frankly, yes, I think J.Hud was out of line to refer to Idol as a stepping stone. She wouldn't have even been considered for that role if it hadn't been for Idol.

And when Simon, back in S.3, told Jennifer she was out of her league, you will recall he was SPECIFICALLY comparing her to Fantasia and LaToya. Jennifer had some brutal nerves back than and, with the exception of "Circle Of Life," her performances were pretty much all subpar!

Don't be jumping on bandwagons and rewriting history just to make some anti-Simon comments. The man may strike you as rude sometimes, but he's an absolutely brilliant guy when it comes to discovering and mentoring new talent.

Frankly, if I were him, I would have gotten up from that desk and slugged Chris Sligh for his Il Divo comment. He will never - ever - have the success that they've had.

And yes, back in the early days of S.1, Kelly Clarkson, god bless her, was totally forgettable! There was nothing particularly amazing about her -- she grew as he competition went on and her talent emerged more and more.

By the way, ALL through last season I had a gnawing feeling in the pit of my gut that Taylor would win - and it made me really angry when he did. You could tell then, as has been proven now, that he had no marketability. I've no idea why so many people voted for him - and can only assume that Chris fans got lazy and figured he was safe. On the upside, Chris has a better shot at doing his 'thing' now than he would have if he'd been stuck in an Idol/19 contract for a year. Taylor was just a rude, obnoxious, screecher - really a one-trick pony. In 5 years, no one will remember his name

Dave | Mar 3, 2007 6:11:27 AM | #

ok. what bothers me about this is how simon goes on about ungrateful contestants.. and also how he always gives credit to fantasia, but no one else. i love FB, but they have all at one time or anther expressed thanks to the show. and esp clay aiken. recently on LKL he stated it was one of the funnest things he has ever done and would do it every day if he could. he always said how he'd be no where w/o the show. he defended paula over the c clark thing on 5 sep interviews the day following c clark's interview. he's returned to the show every single yr!!! ugh. when will SC give credit where credit is due. someone upthread stated how simon is always correct. u r kidding, right!? he's always off! but can never admit it. he seems to forget his own words. also, you ever notice how he waits for randy and then paula to comment, then USES their comments to form his own!? he's an idiot. he's a marketing exec! he doesn't know music.

gail | Mar 3, 2007 7:29:09 AM | #

About Kelly Clarkson - don't you all remember that later in AI1, Simon mentioned how Kelly Clarkson was really coming on and she may be a surprise, coming from nowhere? So, he didn't totally miss that she would "make it". And really, the show would just not be very entertaining without Simon. Yeah, he's a jerk, but people who audtion, especially now after 5 years, know the deal. If they are so thin skinned, they shouldn't do it. Jennifer Hudson did get an Oscar, but remember, that was for her acting, not only her singing. If that's the case, she would have gotten a Grammy.

Sue | Mar 3, 2007 10:13:34 AM | #

Isn't freedom of speech and expression a wonderful thing?!

With that being said, CAN NOT STAND Fantasia. Never did and never will.

As far as I am concerned, Kelly and Carrie have had the most inpact for AI.

Do they need to continually "thank" AI for their success's...not really.

They are in the position, damned if you and damned if you don't.

I have enjoyed watching the "reruns" of Season 1 of AI. Kelly did not stand out in the beginning....but, she brought it all around as the competition went on.

There is nothing wrong with being in the background and then "goin in for the kill" in the end. I feel that is what she did. She totally came out of nowhere and deserved being the 1st winner.

Yes, Simon is a tad crass at times but, 9 times out of 10, he is saying what we viewers are thinkin. At least for me.

It would be a nice "touch" if he would actually LOOK like he is happy for those who have done a good job.

It just slays me that some of the people who audition actually think they can sing. Oh my.....like "Sue" said, if you are thin skinned, don't do it. Do these people really want the Judges to LIE to them?

Just my 2 cents........

CindiCat | Mar 3, 2007 11:03:38 AM | #

Simon's an idiot! Kelly, Clay, Jennifer, Chris D, Taylor, are all people he passed on and they are all the most successful coming out of Idol. He hypes himself up and only blind people fall for him. Look at his outside Idol artist--The teletubbies, Il divo, and the wwf.

kate | Mar 3, 2007 1:26:43 PM | #

I just watched Simon's comments after Jennifer Hudson's last performance--Weekend in New Englandn on AI (It's on YouTube--watch the one that's 4:09):
"You're giving us something that we've never had before on Idol-- a battle of the divas."

Simon comments on performance by performance basis. That was a brilliant performance, which was probably responsible for JH's chance to audition. She looked like a movie star in that performance. It was well acted.

After watching Kelly on AI Rewind, she was good butnot great. It wasn't clear how good she was until she sang Respect. Chances are she was well coached on that song, as she had a demo she was shopping just before Idol that hadbeen produced by Gerry Goffin, the lyricist for the song. I am sure he worked with her on it-- she sounded entirely different on that number then on anything she did in Hollywood.

ghostwriter | Mar 3, 2007 3:44:53 PM | #

Enjoyed your article. I do believe Simon only mentions and gives accolades to only the performers that are under his wing (19 entertainment. Since Clay and Kelly left, he very rarely gives them much credit. I personnally think the most entertaining for me were the superior talents of Clay,Kelly and Chris. Although I am not a fan of Chris's music, I give him much credit.

judy davidson | Mar 3, 2007 5:59:52 PM | #

Here's my two cents....
AI is a great platform for anyone who wants a shot in the business, providing that 'easy access' that was never was there before. The part of winning or losing has nothing to do with it because the past winners and losers have proven that. The show give you the opportunity 'to get your foot in the door'.
The judges' comments are based only on a single performance and how you improve or run with it depends on you. (Kelly Clarkson did not come across to be a great singer until near the end, and it took her a couple of years after AI that she actually proved herself and became the sensation that she is now.) Simon's comments are usually dead on and most of the time a positive comes out from it, rather it's an improvement or sympathy votes. Because c'mon as the past prove, voting is not always based on how well you sang. For example, AI2, I believe Kimberley Locke got more vote than Clay Aiken after the first round (even Kimberley turned out to be a good singer, Clay was far better than her) based on the remark she made to Simon.
Having said all that, one cannot avoid that fact the show is still watching out for its' 'bottomline'. Sometimes you cannot help but notice how the show tries to steer the audience in a certain direction. For example, I was quite disappointed with AI2's conclusion of the final two contestants. The conclusion of Rueben was far more complimenting, filled with judges' past positive comments, while the conclusion for Clay was less about his talent and more about his makeover and his journey to AI. (Rueben was great but he was constant to a point of being boring, while Clay proved himself to be the better singer who can sing anything well.) However, it doesn't always work out (eg. Chris Daughtery, who should've won).
My conclusion, you can view AI anyway you want, as in anything there always the good with the bad. I admire those who stayed humble and havn't forget where they came from and how they got there. We have to admit, without AI we probably never would have heard of most, if not all, of these famous names we have come to know (even the most unlikely, William Hung).

Jen | Mar 4, 2007 8:28:41 AM | #

The Ideal Idol is none other than Clay Aiken.
Not only did he prove himself to the world as an Ideal Idol, As Simon Cowel has said before on the shows fanally that they should give something back. Well no one except for Clay has done just that. He started a foundation for Children with special needs, is an Ambassador for Uniceff, appered on Jerry Lewis's Telethon for Muscular Distrophy, Published a book written by students in a Pennsylvania town about a handicapped Friend in their class and then took time out while on tour to visit the school and read the book to the school and gave them all in the class a ride in a limo back to their school. He visits schools all over the Us to read and speak to them because he cares.
Now in my eyes and lots of other peoples eyes, that is a TRUE AMERICAN IDOL.

Shirley | Mar 4, 2007 5:19:48 PM | #