Marketing. Its just marketing. I mean, he may really and quite naturally be this big a jerk, but what you see is called "marketing"...sadly, at its worst! Admittedly, its working. "Ah, there's the rub..."

I don't get the exploitative nature of A.I. or B.G.T. and the like, and I don't watch them at all unless I am force-fed at someone else's home. However by virtue of this marketing, the shows and Simon are omnipresent in ads and entertainment news and on the internet so its hard to avoid. Everyone has to make a living and if he can capitalize on the spoils of war, who am I to begrudge him his parasitic career? Thats why I gave him a 3.5 instead of a 1.0; because he has managed to fool most of the people most of the time! And still look at himself in the mirror each morning, (and noon and night...)

I like Simon as a judge, however his attraction to Paula is distracting to the singers and he act as he is not getting enough attention. He acts like a spoiled boy that wants all the attention. He and Paula should just get a room somewhere before the show so they can keep their hands off each other. He is not respectful to Paula regardless is she makes any sence or not. The singers respect his oponion, however his infactuation with Paula is taking the attention away from the artist. Simon acts bored with American Idol and will do anything for attention.

One thing I have to admit about Simon Cowell is that he isn't boring or afraid to say what he thinks. I have watched AMerican Idol a few times to realize that Simon's job is to hurt people but also make them famous. To be honest, I don't think that makes sense, but that is just me. I think he is really good with his punch lines and some of his insults are hilarious one-liners. My favorite had to be where he insults a person singing goth music whose is screaming and whining a terrible noise. Simon told him he should sing in a dark room. Thank you.

Many people do not like Simon Cowell, saying he is arrogant or too rough on the contestants of American Idol. I think he is just pushing people to be their best. Maybe he goes a bit overboard on the comments at times, but for the most part, I think he wants to see all the singers and contestants do their best. American Idol wouldn't be the same without Simon Cowell. In real life, and when it comes to charity and the like, its obvious he cares about people. Simon Cowell is a pro in the music industry, and respected by many artists.