"Because everytime somebody really mangled a song, he'd remind them that "this is a singing contest."

Are you telling me you are unable to figure out that they know who can sing and who can't? Also, reminding a terrible singer that it's a singing contest does nothing. The singer won't improve if they are really that bad. It actually takes less time to just send them through the door and move on to the next potential singer. Are you unable to see that what Simon did was mostly for show? The judges all can tell a good singer, even if it's not said in front of a camera. The rude put downs from Simon rarely if ever helped anything. On occasion he was funny, but that was the only thing of value. Other than that, it's the same this year as last. The crying and all the emotions are the SAME as last year.

The producers want that emotion and drama to boost ratings and give some people something to vote for. Unfortunately, some people are tone deaf. Once hollywood weeks are over, it's voting time and makes no difference. Simon also wasn't even that honest all the time. When he didn't have an agenda, he was straight forward. But you don't have to mean to do that. When he had an agenda, or secretly had someone he wanted to win, Simon got sneaky and tried to turn America off to certain singers by playing games. He was fun sometimes, but I actually think the show is better off without him. Also the ratings are higher this year than last.

Simon cowel knows nothing about music. The man has used televison shows his whole life to get hits because he knows how to take advantage of kids who will eat it up. Teletubbies , wwe , robson and jerome , mr blobby , pop idol ,xfactor , idol. He is good tv but if you want anyone to advice you on making it in the music buisness stay away from cowell! How many xfacrot and idol shows has there been from uk and usa and only a handfull ever made it. if you listen to him though everyone is sensational and the next big star! Untill he gets his number 1 single and then its on to next year.

Simon Cowell was not good for american idol.

as a failed A/R man, he never signed anyone who made a name for themselves. he voted against Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry in their auditions.

this seadons show is much stronger.

Steven Tyler is idols top dog and deservedly so. he listens, he really listens to them. he offers sound advice, is funny at times and extremely watchable.

Randy Jackson is the glue on the panel. its very apparent that he not simon , is the one orginal judge you dont want to lose.

Jennifer Lopez is charming and beautiful. i'd take her over Paula anyday

I have to say, I think the talent selected this year is far and away better than the group we saw last year, and I think that is largely because of the judges. These people know music and can spot talent. They don't give insulting and conflicting direction that confuses the singers. And they don't blame their negative commentary on "song choice". They seem to genuinely care about the results. I think it's a much more effective mix and, to my surprise, I don't miss Simon at all. In fact, I can see where he was not good for the show - he was just performing to show what a bad guy he can be - I'm enjoying this year's AI much more than last year and I think we may actually get a star out of it this time - finally.

American Idol is having the best run to date, finally we have judges who offer sound advice, and actually know what they are talking about. Give props to Simon and Paula for bowing out, they were becoming tiresome.

This season is great. The judges are genuine and give criticism that actually helps the contestant. Simon seriously was mean just to be mean. "I would have thrown my tv out the window" doesn't help the contestant improve at all.

Wow, looks like Tim made a lot of American Idol rejects mad here...

We are overly afraid to hear about our own flaws

I am giving the new season a chance, but the show started to go downhill when Paula left the show really, and the producers went from looking for great singers to find "artists" that fit into what mainstream America radio programming, which isn't that great, sound like. They got away from picking the Elliot Yamins and Melinda Doolittles.

Also a big part of American Idol's success was MORE than the singing ability of Kelly Clarkson, Tamyra Gray, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, etc.

It was also the chemistry of the judges. There was a rhythm to it that made it go. Randy offered constructive criticism, but wasn't necessarily mean, Paula gave encouragement and supportive, and Simon notice the elephant in the room and told you about the elephant in the room. That order was ritual.There currently is no flow. It's just a bunch of pandering comments.