Cowell slams "dull" 'American Idol'

Ruby, Newcastle on March 11th, 2008
Well, it's slightly dull now that Danny Noriega is gone but it's still ten times better than the last season of x factor where there was little talent. There's a hell of a lot more talent on American Idol this year in comparison to last year's x factor. I mean there's no one of Leona's standard, but all the guys on there are better than Leon for starters...

George, USA on March 11th, 2008
Dull, indeed. Perhaps, "dull" is the reason why the various hasbeenwannabes didn't make a big splash during their first shot at fame. Maybe Lythgoe should change the show's title to: "Second Chance Idol - unknowns need not apply". Incidentally, Simon... is your "L" hand signal -- to which Ryan Seacrest refers as half an antler -- actually a secret semaphor for "Lythgoe ringer"?

Janet, Lowestoft on March 11th, 2008
I enjoy American Idol much more than X-Factor; I like the fact that the judges don't have anything to do with voting people out. I think there are a couple of girls better than Leona, the Irish one in particular. And the boys are very good too, particularly David Archuleta.

J, Cheshire on March 11th, 2008
It is ridiculous to compare this year's Idol contestants with the sham that was last year's X-Factor. There are at least 4 really strong performers on Idol this year and 5 or so 'quite good' people, whereas everyone on the X-factor last year was so karaoke/cabaret and relied solely on their VT sob-stories to try to win viewers hearts and minds. Bo-ring. There's very little of that self-indulgence and crying every week on American Idol (surprisingly), and the ones that do moan get the chop soon after. Every year there's quite a good balance of contestants on Idol; belting songstresses, country-styled performers, rockers, beatboxers (once, anyway), bluesey, soul singers - always someone trying to be original in the Idol top 12, instead of the same balladeering snore-fests we get (or got last year at least) on the X-Factor. Having said that, it does seem to be a foregone conclusion that David Archuletta will win this year, fair enough he's a strong performer and a typical American Idol, but even though the winner may be predictable, the ride will undoubtedly be entertaining. My vote this year would definitely be with David Cook - he's got to be top 6 for sure. Simon might have questioned his lack of charisma but he seems like a really nice, intelligent, genuine guy with a great sense of humour and bucket-loads of sex appeal. Winning American Idol would definitely be a poisoned chalice for him and the sort of rock career he obviously would like to have, but I would love to see him make the top 5 at least. Hope he comes up with something special for 'the Beatles' week this week, cos you can bet these songs are going to be absolutely slaughtered by some of the other contestants.

Paul, Orlando Florida on March 11th, 2008
Maybe it's just me, but for the most part the song choices this year are terrible. I do think there is some talent here.

Rosewood11 on March 11th, 2008
I have read in the past that you can tell when Simon is really happy because he's...complaining!!! If he's admitting to being bored, he must be pleased as punch!!!

Jay, Idaho on March 12th, 2008
Its time to drop both Ryan and Paula, they have forgotten Simon made them what they are and all the can do is attempt to put him down. Simon is literally always right in his judgement of contestants and he doesn't deserve the pot shots of light weights like Ryan and Paula.

Katie, Los Angeles on March 12th, 2008
Each season is going to get duller and duller. This season is the dullest though, even beyond last season. It is not the best season ever, despite the hype from the judges and producers. You can only have so many singers vie against each other year after year, and the judges give mixed messages to the contestants. Most of all, the judges and Ryans lack of interest is soooo apparent. I lost interest after a couple of weeks. I believe that it only continues to have such a large viewership because there is nothing else on at that time.

Becca, USA on March 12th, 2008
I totally agree with him. I think the problem is that some of the more talented contestants aren't performing up to their potential. For example I think Ramiele has a lovely voice, but she's been boring for the last couple of weeks. Oh well...

em, england on March 13th, 2008
its the worst series yet i watch hoping there going to get better the show should get axed after that talent ther isnt any

Leslie Portland, Oregon on March 13th, 2008
I think the women are very dull. I like most of the men.

kerry, devon ,england on March 22nd, 2008
just get rid of paula and her inane comments, stop giving them the star treatment because I do think they are all in danger of acting like a bunch of prima donnas already, the innocence seems to have gone from the performances. Simon was right to have blasted the decision to do the Lennon/Mcartney song book twice. Next week should be better.

Ian Durrant, London on March 24th, 2008
Totally agree. Since the departure of Jason Yeager and Luke Menard I've been fed up with the whole show

Sophie on April 11th, 2008
Simon Cowell is an idiot for saying that. The kids on American Idol are 50 times more talented than ANYONE that has ever been on the X Factor. Maybe he's just getting bored with judging. And not only that, he probably only says that because The X Factor is his show, and American Idol is Simon Fuller's. This season of American Idol is NOT boring - it's by far the best year they've had. And hardly any sob stories on AI, unlike the river of tears you see on the X Factor.

gugu muchanga,south africa on April 11th, 2008
i totally think that american idol is fun to watch,compared to other countries idols,this show totally rocks,and i like randy!

mare on April 14th, 2008
not with David Cook it is not dull. Simon is crazy

Moreen, frm Walsall, West Midlands on May 8th, 2008
I would agree with Simon, this series is extremely boring and dull, the contestants do not seem to be enjoying themselves plus most of the criteria or song choice have made them even more dull. This year contestants seems to lack character almost forgetful, every other year you could identifie at least 6 contestants who possessed star qualities.

Margaret Harris on May 8th, 2008
As soon as the first 2 episodes of Americal Idol was aired, I was aware that this was clearly going to be the worst most boring series by far, so far. So much so, that I for one moment, questioned if there was anyone strong enough to go head-to-head with David Achuletta, even at this early stage - thus highlighting just how weak every other performer was. I do get irritated with Paula banging on, week after week about how 'true to yourself you really are'. For Heaven's sake give me strength. God forbid that she should say something original. I beleive the AI show has had its day. For the sake of everyone who wants to once again know the luxury of sanity and peace of mind. Let it 'RIP'.