Several of American Idol's disgruntled ex-contestants, including Jennifer Hudson and most recently, Paris Bennett, have slammed the reality show in the press. But as far as I can recall, 80-year-old crooner Tony Bennett is the first celebrity mentor to publicly criticize the mighty Idol.

Bennett reportedly called the show "too cruel" in an interview with Time Out London. Bennett, who coached this season's hopefuls during the first week of April, said, "I had it out with Simon when I met him and suggested that he should open up tiny clubs across the countries so the kids could break in and learn properly."