The rejected American Idol contestant who drenched Simon Cowell with his own cup of water has said he is "proud" of what he did.

Jonathan Rea, an 18-year-old psychology student from Houston, claimed he launched the attack to right all of Cowell's injustices in the past.

“I’m really proud," said Rea. "I did it for all those people with big dreams that he has shattered, leaving them in tears and ready to fling themselves out of the nearest window.???

The judging panel had cracked up at Rea's version of 'Underneath Your Clothes' by Shakira and were preparing to leave the room when inspiration struck.

“I have a terrible voice and all the judges were laughing," he added. “But I remember looking at Simon. I wasn’t sure, should I slap him, should I punch him, should I take a swing? Then I saw the water and a lightbulb popped on in my head. He tried to fight back but I won and threw it over him. It was a great, great moment.???