But When I Am a Little Less Tired of TV

I'm sure you knew I'd reply to this one! ;)

I think he's a little bit of both. One has to wonder how much harm people do to their own family and acquaintances letting them believe that they have any talent, only to allow them to stand before Simon later just to get lambasted for their lack of talent. One can look past this of course, if the friends and family are just as deluded, but surely, not all can be!

I think Simon is tactless and rude, definitely, but he doesn't give anyone false hope either.

It is weird because while he has a sharp tongue, he does things like they are all very physically affectionate with the contestants, and he called that lady's boss to get her job back, and other things like that. I think he let garret go to Hollywood so he can get some formal vocal training...

I think he knows his job is to bring in some interest. I also think he is the most truthful of the judges.

And if someone wants to be in show biz--well, if they can't take Simon, they're not gonna be able to put up with the rejection that is a major part of ANYONE'S career. You've got to grow more of a shell than that to be successful.

Yes, Simon was particularly accomodating to Garret. I also thought he was more than charitable with Carmen Rasmussen a few years ago, when he chose her as his wild card. Wha? I just struck it up to his trying to do a good deed or something. lol

But yes, the reality is that these people trying out for American Idol will have to have a thick skin if they ever wish to survive the onslaught of criticism and negative media if their careers ever take off. You know, I always though Diana Degarmo, the 16 year old runner up the year Fantasia won, was very thick skinned. She was ridiculed, critiqued, insulted, you name it (by Simon and others--Quentin Tarantino was especially harsh in his comments to her when he was celebrity judging), and she just let it all roll off her shoulders. She changed what she could, and accepted what she couldn't. I always that that was pretty classy of her not to get all bent out of shape.

Did anyone see the "Jesus moment" this past week?!? The fat black girl - you know, the one about which Simon said "Are we getting bigger stages this year?" - came back and sat in the hot seat, looked at Simon with a big smile and said (I'm paraphrasing), "Simon, you made that remark about me and yes, it hurt. Yes, I cried. But you know what? I decided to forgive you. I figure that if Jesus could come to earth, die for my sins and forgive me - without me asking - I can forgive you without you asking me." And, over the din, Simon said something along the lines of "Now that you have made me feel this small....thank you." And Randy got up, applauded her loudly and was responding in a very positive way...is was sort of like that was the most profound truth he'd heard in ages. Which is probably true, but still, it was a very cool two minutes.