I am not a big fan of American Idol at all and just watch for the auditions because:
1) It's a reminder of how much competition there is out there and that I have to work harder.
2) Some of the auditions are very funny.

Anyway, as much as I enjoy watching people who can't sing attempt to, I think the judges are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too mean sometimes. I'm all for the brutally honest thing. I hate anything that's sugar-coated because if I don't get the honest truth/constructive criticism, how am I supposed to better myself as a performing artist? BUT it's one thing to be honest and give constructive criticism. It's ANOTHER thing to ridicule people and laugh in their faces like middle school bullies. The truth can be painful enough, so in all honesty I ask, why do you want to make it even more painful by making fun of the contestants? Jeez...it's just so rude! People have feelings, you know?! Instead of teasing them, why not TELL them what they are doing wrong and give them proper advice!? You can be brutally honest but you don't have to make a person FEEL BAD about themselves while telling them what they need to know! I hate it when they tease people about how they look (aka: fat jokes and stuff)... <_< What does being fat or ugly have to do with having talent or trying out for the show?! :mad:

*calms self down* Anyway, I wanted to start this poll because I wanted to know if I was the only one who felt like this or not. So please let me know your opinions on this situation. And I will state my point once more. Being honest doesn't mean you have to laugh at someone and call them names right in front of them. And I will end my rant there.

Well, I think the judges can be a bit... tough. Simon being the most judgemental. Sometimes the things he says aren't the nicest, but thats just how his personality is. He doesn't hestitate to tell people how they really sound. But, thats reality for you.

But, really most people who get rejected break down, and are like "I'VE WORKED MY LIFE TO GET HERE, PLEEEEEASE!!". Dude, if three music experts said you didn't sound good, then just gtf out. Whining and begging won't change the judge's mind. Your only making a fool of yourself. And, cursing at the camera doesn't help. Singing isn't for everyone. Tough.
I mean, if you thought you had a good voice, but the judges didn't agree, wouldn't you have sang to friends and family, and they would of told you you didn't sound good? Most people that do go try out and can't sing, do it pretty much for the 15 seconds on national TV.
Its either you can sing, you got potential, or you can't sing. The judge's are there to weed out the people who can and can't sing. Yeah, I'd be upset if someone told me I couldn't sing, but its alright. Just because you can't sing, it isn't the end of the world.

The judges are just doing their job. Nothing wrong in that. Paula and Randy are much more sensitive about people's feelings, and they usually just tell the people music isn't their thing.

I don't really watch American Idol, and only watch a little, sometimes, when I happen to stumble on it...but I do think one or two of the judges are extremely rude. Like you said, darkmoonlitdreamer, it's one thing to give constructive critism on their singing ability but to outright make fun of the way they look, that's something else entirely. I personally think that's extremely childish, and it's taking things way too far. It's celebrities like them that I don't have any respect for.

Did anyone see that recent episode from this season where Simon made fun of that one guy who had a rare disease by telling him he looked like a bush baby? That was plain mean and unnecessary.

I know! And he also told him that he looked like a monkey I think. Jeez! That's just so...INCONSIDERATE! There are some things that you DON'T say! It's called common decency and manners, people! And some people on that show are seriously lacking in them... <_<
And Goddess, I agree with you one hundred percent about a lot of contestants going way over the top with the hysterics. Though I think the judges are WAY TOO MEAN the contestants should be the better people and not curse at cameras. That's not going to get you discovered. It's going to make people who would have hired you not WANT to hire you after they see that you can't be professional about being rejected.
Even so, that still doesn't excuse the bad behavior on the judges side. If they aren't going to be professional about their job, then they shouldn't complain when the contestants say something back...

I think the contestants are fully aware of what they're getting themselves into. They know what to expect, and it's all very well to say that the judges shouldn't be so rude, but you know, that's what the entertainment industry is like. You have to have a really thick skin to make it in showbiz when you do possess talent, so there's no point in coddling the auditionees and treating them with kid gloves. If the judges were like that with them, chances are they'd get a big shock if they ever got even a minimal amount of fame.

Whenever I watch American Idol, or our British version; The X Factor, (which Simon also judges, along with Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh) I tend to agree with Simon. In the last series of The X Factor, the comments he made during the live stages were spot on. During the audition stages, the other judges were nicer, true, but as Simon said himself when he was criticised for the comments he made, it's much better to tell someone who sounds terrible that they sound terrible. Why lie to them and say they have potential when they don't? It's not fair to give them false hope.

As for comments about their appearance, well, in showbusiness, looks are a huge factor. Talent should be the only real requirement, in an ideal world it would be, but it's not an ideal world. For example, insulting someone who has a rare disease may be cruel, but it would happen all the time if that person were to become famous. Haven't you ever seen how harshly the media treats celebrities that have put on a few pounds? Made a bad fashion choice? Not put enough fake tan on? Put too much fake tan on? Forgot their deodorant and ended up with wet patches on their clothes? Forgot to shave? It's stupid and unfair, but if the auditionees want to become famous, they need to get used to being judged for their appearance, and to have that appearance commented on. It's up to them to let said comments roll off their back.

I think the judges are too harsh. Like people have pointed out, there's a difference between constructive criticism and being an asshole. I wouldn't have so much of a problem with this except that they've had people on American Idol that are actually mentally retarded, and yet, Simon insults them mercilessly. I think at that point, there's no need for cruelty. Just tell them that they can't sing, and let it go at that. Someone with mental disabilities doesn't need to be insulted over their appearance. That, I think, is crossing the line. However, comments on appearance for people who aren't disabled is warranted, IMO. Regardless of what people will admit out loud, style and attractiveness are a part of marketing someone as a singer.

I completely agree with that. Despite being blunt, Simon has a very good ear. He picks up on musical aspects that the other judges don't notice, and I haven't seen him be wrong as far as I can remember. People sometimes boo him when he brings it up, but he's right. Once you develop an ear for singing, you notice a lot better how right he is 99% of the time.

Actually, I feel that most of the time the judges are very fair, and there were a couple of times I don't think ANYONE could have avoided laughing. But you are right in saying that there are a few times when they just go entirely too far, and I really feel sorry for the contestant.
Honestly though, I think they're just trying to make it a good show

Yukari:

I agree with that. I think most of us aren't saying he should give them false hope nor are we saying that he's unfair with his decisions, just that he doesn't have to make such unnecessary and hurtful comments.

When it's already obvious that a person doesn't have the talent to get far and that they'll never get famous, there's no need for Simon to further rub it in and make jokes about their looks, that's all I'm saying. It's no longer about "preparing them for the idol world", it's about Simon being an ass and making fun of them just for his own amusement.

Sefie:

I guess that depends on what each of us, as individuals, view as "a good show".

Sadhana:

Exactly! There's a huge difference between "Sorry, you're not cut for American Idol. You don't have the talent or the looks." VS comments like "You look like one of them things in the jungle with the big eyes, a bush baby. You look like a monkey." Despite people laughing their heads off at comments like that, we all know it's only funny when they're not specifically directed at us.

Yes, I'm aware the world isn't all nice and perfect...but that fact doesn't mean Simon should be excused for treating people like garbage.

I agree completely with that statement. Honestly...it's not bad enough you told him he had no talent but you gotta make fun of his appearance too!? Jeez...Simon crosses the boundaries too much. He's got it down when it comes to being honest, but sometimes I wish he would just keep his big mouth shut. Rude comments aren't necessary to get yer point across! :mad:

So this guy didn't have the talent anyway? If that's the case, then I understand what you're saying, HD. It's not about tough love if the person doesn't have a chance of experiencing fame and being subjected to media scrutiny.

Honestly though, I think half of the time Simon is playing up to his 'Mr Nasty' image. He was that way on The X Factor too. He told one auditionee that she looked like Vicky Pollard (a female character from a show over here called Little Britain, played by a guy). So she asked him whether he was saying she looked like a man, and he said "No... I'm saying that you look like a man... dressed as a woman."

I see. Does anyone know if he's really like that in real life around his family and friends?
I don't even care for American Idol, so I have no idea why I'm discussing that show or letting Simon bother me :lol:

Agreed. I do feel sorry for contestants whose appearances are criticised, but the truth is that looks play a huge part in determining one's success in the entertainment industry. Simon is no more cruel than the tabloids, and I feel it's better that contestants feel such brutal treatment now than after getting themselves into the business.

And although rare, it's not like appearances have stopped the really talented from making it through the auditions.

Simon has said that contestants are allowed to argue back if they wanted to. Yes, it's probably suicidal to go against the judges, especially during the audition rounds, but again-- the opportunity is there to make your own stand. "Bullying" implies that contestants aren't allowed to argue against the judges, but there have been times it's happened and they survive the following rounds.

As for ridiculing people-- sad to say, a lot of the contestants I've seen during the auditions have too much hot air for their own good. They've been so bloated up by their friends and family's praises, that it likely NEEDS some harsh, cruel ridicule to drive it into their heads that they can't sing (and even THEN, it doesn't always work...). There are the more humble contestants, but a lot of them are too stubborn to accept critique.

While I sometimes find Simon to be extremely harsh, there's Paula's sugary-sweetness to make up for it. But just as Paula will not let the most untalented through even though she's the "nice one", so Simon will inevitably let the most talented through despite being fat/ugly/whatever.

And besides-- this is TV. I can't take his act all that seriously when it's likely exaggerrated for ratings' sake.

I watched a documentary on him a while ago, and the cameras followed him around his daily life. He laughs with his girlfriend when she messes up cooking, he visits his mother and he and his brother tease her, he goes to family parties and tolerates his nieces and nephews. He comes across as a really nice guy. Sarcastic as anything, and used to getting his own way, but nice nontheless.

True. In the second series of Pop Idol in the UK, Simon supported the eventual winner the whole way, even though she was extremely overweight and didn't fit the 'image' of a pop idol, because she had the best voice out of all the contestants.

The contestants know what they're getting into, as Yukari said, the entertainment world is very tough to live in. I think Simon Cowell even though he is out of line sometimes, he provides the most realistic view on contestants. Unlike judges on the show which he appears on (Pop Idol, American Idol, X Factor, ect,) Simon looks for the quality of the voice and the quality of the person. Even though other judges do this aswell, I feel Simon is the one most near this. A person with a great voice maybe boring to watch, or someone very a good but not great voice maybe a fantastic entertainer (eg Rayf rom last year's X Factor).

I completely agree, and it can sort out someone's life. For example, I've not seen it on American Idol but I've seen it many times on the X Factor, that someone is completely shocked when he says they can't sing. Because family members and friends keep telling them they are when they aren't, go out and get a good job and create a good career for yourself.

Any type of world is hard to live in, but the Entertainment world is extremely hard to live in. You've got high expectations and you've got to fufill, and with that you have got to be prepared to take the critism.

On this note, I'm looking forward to Leona Lewis' (last year's X Factor winner) who will be making an apperance on one of the American Idol live shows.

Ya I think for the most part the people who try to get on the show have already watched the show and know what to expect. I think the judges are all pretty groan-worthy, but it's also important to remember that this is primarily a reality t.v. show. Even though they act as though they're out to make talent, they're really just out for ratings. So the judges will act out, they say and do stupid/cruel stuff just so that people will stay tuned to the show, to be entertained, to see what the judges will do next. It's really a shame but it really is a fox t.v. show first, talent show second. I feel sorry for the people who seriously audition.

But I'd totally recommend anyone, if they're really serious about singing, to pass Idol and try to make it legitimately. Because eventhough Idol's a faster process, when it comes right down to it, the show really is just a circus, manipulated primarily so ppl can be entertained which = $ in the bank for the show's producers. The only ones who have legitimately become famous (and not infamous) in that show are those that either didn't comes too close to winning, or have won, but distanced themselves from the Idol stigma (in my book that would be Jen Hudson and Kelly Clarkson. Ya Clay's kinda popular too, and I even saw him in Days of our Lives haha but ya, he's rather infamous too and kind of a joke to most people). I think those that are too closely related to Idol and still largely seen as Idol contestants aren't taken too seriously in the biz.

Um...I think I went off on a tangent lol

PS - Jennifer Hudson = my hero for getting the oscar nod. Represent girl. *runs*

I remember reading an interview with Stevie Wonder, who once served as a judge on American Idol. He himself disliked the show, and related how when he went backstage, he would tell most of the contestants that he hoped they would lose because it would be better for them. Idol, and many talent shows like it, are more like factories churning out temporary successes-- I remember how he said that today's performers are no longer groomed to last, but to pump out a few hits and then fade into oblivion.

And since you brought up Hudson, nyrin, I googled her to see what she's been up to. Oh man, she looks terrific! And a Golden Globe!

Obviously you guys don't visit Go Fug Yourself

Anyways, I have to say I don't mind Simon being so scathing when he criticizes a contestant. That's merely the top of the iceberg when the whole world is watching them, and the power of the internet to dig up stuff about them... sometimes in the most unflattering of fashion, how many finalists were forced to leave because they had criminal records, for one?

Anyways, I digress. Sometimes the way he'd verbally slap a ridiculous person is... well... right to the point.

BTW, I saw that monkey episode, XD Simon didn't say he looks like a monkey, he said he looks like this creature that lives in the forest... the contestant then said that Simon calls him a monkey. Which he didn't.

Though I have to say he reminds me of Gollum.

^ Simon called him a "bush baby".

I think the judges are meaner this year because there's more delusional people now than ever. I mean, seriously, I can understand. How many people in banana/Uncle Sam/randomly weird outfits can you stand in a day? They have to go through thousands of people.

In reality, it's better they are truthful even if it's harsh. Many of these contestants honestly believe they can sing and they have these delusions...best to get rid of those sometime!

The judges may be meaner but like what other people have noticed, people are getting even crazier. I remember my jaw dropped in that episode where that woman was yelling at them that she hoped that they would teach her how to sing in American Idol and that she would be the first American Idol who didn't know how to sing at first.

...which made me really raise my eyebrows. And also at the other people who came in.

So I believe that the meanness (XD) is necessary. People competing should know what they're getting into and if they saw the other seasons they should know what to expect.

I stopped watching the show after a while. I just cant take it anymore. Yes, they should know what they are getting into, especially after this show has been going on for YEARS, but some people just cant give up hope.

The only thing that get's my goat is Katherine McPhee. She was on the Today show, I believe it was, last Wednesday morning for an interview, and they were watching clips of the latest contestants in Alabama. When the large, nerdy guy with bushy hair came on stage (if they showed his name, I'd use that) to sing, the judges were obviously impressed, or at least Paula was. But there's Miss Katherine, suddenly a music critic, CRINGING. And the interviewer is like, "What? You dont think he can sing?" And McPhee says, "Well..........it's not that he cant sing......but look at his hair...."

I was all O.O "EXCUSE ME?!" the boy can fricking SING, who CARES about what he looks like! He's got the talents, let him go on to become famous if that's what he really really wants! In the end though, it's not the judges that ultimately decide, it's the FANS, it's who the public wants to see. I hope he makes it, and becomes very successful.

Anywho...kinda went off there...

Yes, I think the judges are too harsh when it comes to looks and things like that, but if you cant really sing, then...well I'd rather them be honest and tell me that I cant, and maybe if I asked, where to improve if I'm not good enough to go on.