What's wrong with the American Idol judges?

I can't believe that Simon would actually criticize a contestant's hair. He really needs to look in the mirror since he is sporting a miserable version of a "high-top fade" that went out in the early 90's with Kid N Play. What's up with that?

Simon Cowell:
I've never watched "American Idol," but saw the 8/19 segment on you and American Idol on 60-Minutes. I was shocked to see the snippet of you criticizing the physical features of a contestant (comparing him to a monkey) on national TV. Have you no common decency? Don Imus was fired for less. You impress me as an arrogant a.h., so I guess it's good that I never watch your program.

There is nothing wrong with the American idol Judges Simon is hotter than ever paula has nothing wrong with her and Randy has gotten ruder but who cares.They are everyday people like you and me they aren't mean they just have to get there point across the contestant.Some people dont have what it takes to be an american idol.If you had to sit through auditions all day you would be grumpy to.

They are smoking cow chips and cardboard.

Melissa DooLittle did a WHOLE LOT. She is by far the very best. She is classy, demure, has beautiful dancing eyes. See, the problem a sad few people don't recognize talent when their ears hear it, or don't hear it, and they just want to hate. One has to be blessed with a good ear to hear, and that's what I have. So people don't hate on Melissa as she wins this year. And guess what, I'm just Maryland, but I can't go for Lakisha--she just isn't that good. She also seems to want to copycat Fantasia. Simon had it right when he indicated that her outfit was very distracting--she should have been dressed more classy, or even lovely. So cudos to Melissa.

I think that Simon Cowell is extremely arrogant and very rude. The contestants are all good enough to have made it to the finals; so none of them could be considered "bad." Also, I'm sure that they are all extremely nervous tonight. Why does Simon think he has the right to put any of them down by telling them that their performance was inferior? Thank goodness for Paula who tried to mitigate an unfortunate situation. FOX needs to seriously consider "firing" Simon. He makes me sick, and I'm certain that there are plenty of other viewers who agree with me!

I agree with you #1 on most of what you said, but I do believe it is rigged as well...producers will fiddle with results if they don't like the people's choices.

Don't let anyone kid you that this AI is reality TV. Its got "characters" story arcs and LOTS of manipulation. When that doesn't work (see season #2 results) they just out and out pick their own winner.

Actually I think it's pretty straightforward. The producers judge who they think has the widest demographic appeal based on things like looks, personality, and geography. Then they tell the judges "Do what you can to keep these people around." The judges can't always guarantee how far a certain contestant will go, but they can certainly influence it to a strong degree. Plenty of people out there have no opinion at all on whether Melissa did well, until Simon says "Best performance yet" and then the next morning they're telling their friends at the water cooler "Did you hear Melissa? I thought that was her best performance yet."

It's not fixed, never thought it was, at least not in the sense of rigging the vote count. But I think the judges are not unbiased in their commentary. By a long shot.