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Simon Cowell Reflects: Regrets Bluntness on American Idol

12/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Simon Cowell, a longtime judge on American Idol, told The New York Times he regrets his past behavior on the show.
He said his bluntness helped drive the show's popularity but often overshadowed positive feedback, and he admitted frustration during audition days.
He added, “I wasn’t trying to be a d*** on purpose,” apologized, and argued the tough-love approach was necessary to identify true talent as reality-TV judging standards evolved.

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Story summary

Simon Cowell, a longtime judge on American Idol, told The New York Times he regrets his past behavior on the show.
He said his bluntness helped drive the show's popularity but often overshadowed positive feedback, and he admitted frustration during audition days.
He added, “I wasn’t trying to be a d*** on purpose,” apologized, and argued the tough-love approach was necessary to identify true talent as reality-TV judging standards evolved.