An 'Idol' first: Contestant's barb leaves Simon Cowell stunned
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- February
- 21
Let’s take a moment to analyze last night’s “American Idol” showdown between Chris Sligh and Simon Cowell.
Sligh’s performance of “Typical” appeared to please Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, but Cowell was less impressed.
Cowell claimed Sligh’s sense of humor and personality were largely responsible for his success on the show to that point.
And just like his Sideshow Bob alter ego, Sligh revealed his dark side (but didn’t step on any rakes) in response. Explaining that the song he chose was in line with today’s standards and trends, Sligh followed with the following joke and/or insult: “Just because I don’t sing Il Divo or Teletubbies doesn’t mean that I can’t sing.” (Thanks to the Dallas Morning News for nailing that quote down.)
Cowell’s reaction was that of a little boy whose puppy had just been kicked. It turns out Cowell produced a Teletubbies record and created Il Divo, a four-man pop-opera group—neither of which exactly has the buzz or sales of Jay-Z or Gwen Stefani these days. Instead of smiling and dismissing a contestant’s insult as he usually does, the man who loves to mug for the cameras turned his head, looked at no one in particular, went silent and—I’ll say it—appeared to be on the brink of tears.
Ryan Seacrest seemed to relish to exchange, saying something to the effect of you-can-dish-it-out-but-you-can’t-take-it, and Cowell blamed Seacrest (not Sligh) for what he said was an “awkward” moment—perhaps because it might not have happened if Seacrest didn’t give Sligh a chance to respond to Cowell’s criticism.
So what can we make of all this? Find out after the break.
1. Sligh is dead to Simon Cowell. Probably forgotten in this exchange is that Cowell said he genuinely liked Sligh. I don’t think Cowell can say that anymore. Any time Sligh performs a song that could be critiqued either way, look for Cowell to slam it.
2. Sligh, while genuinely funny, should be careful what he says. True, Cowell doesn’t vote on the winner. But if Sligh keeps coming across as cocky or uninterested in feedback, America’s votes might go elsewhere.
3. Cowell, in fact, is human. I’ve always liked Simon Cowell. And yes, I disagree with him on occasion, but he’s always the most accurate judge of the three. But I’ll admit, even though Cowell had this comeuppance coming for years, I still felt a little bad for him. A little.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 at 12:05 pm by Chris Serico.
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I think Sligh just got himself voted off (great move—INSULT one of the judges!) ... maybe not this week, but I don't think it's possible to become the next Idol with Simon consistently finding fault with you .... fans do, to some extent, take cues from Simon, don't you think? His sour grapes remarks could also hurt his likeability factor. I know Simon dishes it, but in this competition you don't get anywhere by trying to copy him, blow for blow.
I wasn't fond of Chris Sligh in the first place. Not all that funny. And he came across as totally bad last night.
I think Chris Sligh is refreshingly funny and very different from the rest of the pretty boys this year. He may not have the absolute best voice, but I hope America keeps him around for his personality and at least to keep this interesting!!
Simon loved it! Did you all miss the smile? I could care less what any of the judges say, I'll vote for the one I like the best! And I predicted Chris Sligh would win when I saw the audition. He had the best performance of the guys. Simon is pissed at Ryan, not Chris. Besides, Simon is too professional to get his knickers in a twist over a humourous jab and actually let it affect his judgement.
It's easy to forget just how many people Simon reduced to tears over the past seasons. He has humiliated and embarassed so many contestants, some of them in their teens, on National Television!
I'm not referring to the ones who were simply god-awful. I'm referring to the ones who were average but not special. Instead of telling them, compassionately, that perhaps singing wasn't for them….He went for the jugular to make good television.
Simon had this coming for a VERY long time. I don't feel sorry for him. It was a JOKE. After ALL the jokes he's dished out, he doesn't have the right to get offended.
How many times have you heard him tell somebody who got up and sang their heart out: "You sounded like a drunk father at a wedding", or "You can hear that in any Karoake Bar in America"
You've been "Mr. Mean" for years, and now you want to pout like a 6yr old girl when somebody gives YOU a jab?
Please.