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February 7, 2008

Simon Cowell Skewers Katharine McPhee

Simon Cowell is known for skewering awful singers on "American Idol," but now he's turning on "Idol" sweetheart Katharine McPhee!

"Didn't care much about Katharine McPhee," Simon told "Extra." "I don't think she was a credible recording artist. Katharine will end up on Broadway!"

The King of Mean has come out swinging at some of "Idol's" biggest names, telling "Extra" that last year's champ Taylor Hicks didn't deserve to take the top spot.

"There's always a place for someone like that on the show - until they win," Simon insisted.

As for Clay Aiken, who's currently starring in "Spamalot" on Broadway, Simon seems rather satisfied that the season two runner-up ended up exactly where he predicted.

"[He is] very at home," Simon huffed.

As for rumors that the producers are planting "ringers" in this year's competition to make sure they get another chart-topper, Simon says no way.

"Oh, give me a break!" he said. "Regardless of whether or not you got a recording contract, they've all failed, which is why they turn up on 'American Idol.'"

Mr. Nasty is also taking on fellow judge Paula Abdul and her new single, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow."

"Uh, I'm glad Paula's made a record," Simon admitted. But as for whether he'd give her a thumbs up if she were a contestant on "Idol," "Probably not."

But even the so-called "Sultan of Slams" wouldn't resist dishing out one more ticket to Hollywood for Paula.

"I think she should definitely perform it on the show," he said.

Now, with the Hollywood rounds starting, you tell "Extra": Who's your early favorite this season? Sound off here!


NEXT: Mark and Dayna's Dough Throw With Vito!

 

Right on Simon!! she can’t sing, she can’t act, her only future is baring it all


- pattispage
Posted 02/07/08 02:15 PM
 

Simon is so full of himself it’s nausiating!! He has to get this notion out of his head that being on Broadway is a bad thing. It would be nice if he actually took the time to see how phenominally well Clay Aiken is doing & the rave reviews he is getting . Also if Slimon ……(oooops I mean Simon) actually thinks the ratings for AI in the begining were all him , he is slightly deluded . People did tune in to see the metamorphasis of this skinny freckle-faced red-headed dude with the pipes of perfection take the nation by storm !!!
For added information Clay’s 2nd CD was mandated by Clive as just covers .Clay wanted to go with all originals but could not , so with what he had he did quite well 300,000 is nothing to sneeze at . His first CD sold 613,000 and his Christmas CD was the biggest selling Christmas CD in years !
It was already stated on Leno that Simon hates anyone that he knows that is successful . What a sad sad man (and I use that term losely !)


- Kayla
Posted 02/07/08 02:13 PM
 

Get your facts straight, Simon didn’t think Daughtry had charisma but that he had a great recording voice. The knock on Daughtry since Idol is his lack of command on stage, so Simon was right. Simon isn’t trying to hand out careers, he’s interested in finding a recording artist. Clay Aiken has not proven himself to be a legitimate recording artist. His last album failed. Simon knows what he is talking about. And Paula on Idol? Maybe, but since Idol doesn’t have any voice enhancement equipment or experience in dealing with artists who lip sync, its going to take some effort to pull it off.


- WhatThen
Posted 02/07/08 01:08 PM
 

Hey, Simon said “No” to Daughtry and his audition…. what does he know? He disses those who should be put thru and puts thru those who have no business on the show.


- Annie
Posted 02/07/08 12:49 PM
 

Simon makes such a big deal about being honest when in reality he just says and does whatever he and the producers think will make good television. He lost all credibility years ago when he put Carmen Rasmussen through at the American Idol Season 2 Wild Card. Just the night before he’d said she couldn’t sing. But they wanted a pretty young blond so he “selected” her.

The truth and Simon haven’t spoken in years.


- Anonymous
Posted 02/07/08 12:18 PM
 

What does it matter where these people end up? They all have careers in show business. What about Jennifer Hudson?? Hello, she won an Oscar. I wish Simon would just shut his mouth for once. It figures the show makes these people stars, and then dissed them.


- Simon Who?
Posted 02/07/08 12:16 PM
 

I want Paula to perform on Idol gives back! her first performance back was very good, but i think her second-third performances will be even better! first time back after 12 years is always nervous (even for a judge!) but when she gets more used to performing again, she will be much more relaxed. GOO for it Paula!!


- Anonymous
Posted 02/07/08 11:41 AM
 

paula rocks! i like simon but i like paula more!


- Anonymous
Posted 02/07/08 11:35 AM
 

Simon and his slams is one of the biggest reasons I’m no longer watching the show.


- Jade
Posted 02/07/08 11:34 AM
 

paula is a performer. she has never been known for her amazing voice, but she does have something called the x factor, and NOBODY from idol (i mean the contestants) have had that imo. there is a reason why she has sold over 50 million albums whereas most idol winners, even with their amazing voices, usually fail to sell even 1 million.. it is called being the total package! she has IT, they dont!!


- Anonymous
Posted 02/07/08 11:32 AM
 

simon doesnt speak “the truth”. he only speaks his freaking opinion!! and he has been wrong about maaany contestants! and i mean, paula and randy constantly overrule him all the time anyway. i do think he is the judge with the least power, since paula+ randy often stick together and they will always win over simon (hey, if it was up to simon, kelly clarkson wouldnt even have made the show).


- hey
Posted 02/07/08 11:28 AM
 

Simon is the greatest!!! His sweeping the audition room floor last night was one of the best moments of the season, and in Idol history. Also, he was precious with the little dog. I LOVE Simon; Extra needs to feature him every night. That’s MY kind of Brit Watch!!!

As for an early favorite, Michael Lee Johns is the best I’ve seen so far, and I have my dialing fingers ready to vote for him.


- Barnsinger
Posted 02/07/08 11:04 AM
 

Why does Cowell act as tho ending up on Broadway is demeaning? Aiken doing a stint in “Spamalot” is just another step in his successful career. I wonder if he has taken the time to go see Mr. Aiken’s performance. Just Wonderful. Mr. Cowell should be praising the many accomplishments of a contestant that has done so well. Just makes him seem like such a small man, regardless of how many millions he may have. I have no respect for him whatsoever. How sad that he can’t enjoy anothers success.


- marissa
Posted 02/07/08 11:01 AM
 

Simon is a know it all, smug little man. He doesn’t have all the answers and certainly has no talent. My advice for him this year, go buy a bra.


- skye258
Posted 02/07/08 10:55 AM
 

Biggest idiot in the whole world? What an intelligent comment. Perhaps you should look in the mirror to find the biggest idiot in the whole world. Simon speaks the truth, however painful. Deal.


- Terri
Posted 02/07/08 10:39 AM
 

who care what simon thinks . he is the biggest idiot in the whole world.


- pat
Posted 02/07/08 09:10 AM

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