Simon on the Today Show
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TV ClubHouse: Archive: American Idol (FOX): Simon on the Today Show

Prisonerno6

Monday, February 24, 2003 - 06:35 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Caught Simon on the Today show this morning. Since I'm not a morning person, I only remember a few things he said. He thinks the show they taped Saturday (tomorrow night's airing) was good, this year they have a much more diverse mix of body types and personalities than last year, he thinks the men are singing better than the women. He said the rumor about him hiring four bodyguards was not true.

One thing he said I found interesting in light of some conversations here was the contestants are told before the show is taped to give back to Simon as good as he gives to them. That may be why we're getting so many mouthy contestants this year.

Car54

Monday, February 24, 2003 - 07:00 am EditMoveDeleteIP
This was a very good segment. Simon came off as much more personable than usual. I think some of this is damage control because of how much backlash there was after his comments to Vanessa.

He said he might sign Frenchie to his record label. Yay Simon.

Yuhuru

Monday, February 24, 2003 - 09:51 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Simon was also on Oprah today. Good segment. He gave a good explanation of his comments on weight.

Seamonkey

Monday, February 24, 2003 - 10:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Dang.. wish I hadn't missed it.. maybe I can tape her late night repeats until it shows up.

I saw almost none of the Grammies but from what I did see I'd love to see Simon with Aretha Franklin with her pouffy chiffon dress and Harvey Firestein in his outrageous drag :) I think he'd love it.

Grooch

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 01:34 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I found this blurb about Simon.


Simon says he wanted to quit after Tamyra left American Idol.

When Tamyra Gray was voted off American Idol, Simon Cowell said "it was a bad thing ... I didn't want to stay on the show" because she was the "best singer." Why did he stay? "The money. That was it. Sorry."

Tamyra is currently guest starring on Boston Public and is recording a record. Simon's comments came during the Oprah's "After the Show" segment, which airs on Oxygen and can be watched online.

Of rumors about Justin and Kelly's romance, he said, "You want to know a secret? Justin has fallen in love with somebody -- called his reflection."
+

Grooch

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 01:36 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
And this is from TVInsider:


Idol's Simon Defends Weight Criticism

Is Simon Cowell sorry for telling American Idol contestant Vanessa Olivarez to "lose a few pounds" last week? The weighty comment drew fire from fellow judge Paula Abdul, who used her gig as an Entertainment Tonight correspondent to publicly condemn his insensitivity. Still, the Brit tells TV Guide Online he has no regrets (surprise, surprise) about pressing Vanessa's — or Paula's — hot buttons.

"Obviously, it's bothering Paula to be on our show," Simon says. "She should go on a show where you lie that everyone looks perfect, sounds perfect and can get a record deal. The show is supposed to be about the real world. And if I think someone is overweight, I tell them!

"I liked Vanessa," the Idol honcho continues. "This is a girl who, when we first saw her, looked pretty good. Then, there was a three-month gap, and she comes in 20 lbs. overweight. So I said to her, 'You would look better if you lost some weight.' And she would. She knows that. Otherwise, we're just encouraging people on this show just to fall out of shape and expect the American public to appreciate that — they don't."

Not one to suffer Simon's snarkitude quietly, Vanessa dared to liken her own curvaceous beauty to that of another Latina songbird — J.Lo! Would he prefer his aspiring Idols to receive pointers more humbly? Or does Simon like 'em to mouth off?

"I always say on this show that if you give, you have to take," he insists. "It's a two way thing. If they don't agree with me, they're entitled to their view. I encourage it!" — Daniel R. Coleridge

Fruitbat

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 02:33 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I like Simon, always have. I noticed that he did not tell Reuben he should lose weight and so far no one has called him on this. Paula, you are slipping. :)

Yuhuru

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 09:38 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Fruit, Simon addressed that on Oprah. He said that even though Ruben is overweight he is a star. He says that Ruben lights up the room.

imho, paula is out of line. by telling someone they need to lose a few pounds, you're not responsible for their eating disorder if they develop one. I really thought simon was trying to help Vanessa. I hope she listens> I don't think she needs to lose a lot-just tighten up the tummy or where less floral :)

Grooch

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 09:40 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I read in an article yesterday that Simon said that Vanessa had gained 20 pounds in the 3 months from the auditions to the show.

Prisonerno6

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 10:10 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I wanted to point out (in response to Paula's eating disorder comment) that Simon never told Vanessa to diet, he told her to work out. To me, at least, that's not encouraging eating disorders, that's actually fairly sensible advice.

Fruitbat

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 10:13 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I do think that Simon was giving reasonable advice in mentioning Vanessa's weight. The image she was trying to promote required a slimmer profile and more tone.

And I agree that Ruben is in a different catagory Men can be that heavy and do well, also.

I heard that too, Grooch.

Djgirl5235

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 10:15 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Okay, I've been trying to stay out of this whole weight conversation as it hits extremely close to home.

There are always circumstances behind comments that are made, but it's the individual that it's spoken to that makes the difference. I actually agree with Paula's comment simply because I've been on the receiving end... A lot of you know that I am a surviving anorexic, and one of the things that threw me over the edge into full-on starving myself was one comment. One. It was made by my doctor in an offhanded way, and completely crushed me and my self esteem, but I was at a point in my life at that time where I was teetering. That one comment pushed me over the edge. Now... to follow up this line of thought, Simon's comment was made to Vanessa, who obviously can handle it, and did... however, there are teenage girls watching this show who are the same size as Vanessa and might not be as comfortable with who they are to hear this comment and think that they need to lose weight and IMHO could potentially turn into a serious situation.

I'm going to run out of here now since I really don't think I'm making my point clearly enough and don't want to risk p*ssing someone off...

Fruitbat

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 11:26 am EditMoveDeleteIP
No need to run away DJ. All opinions are welcome in every thread.

I have no personal experience with anorexia and only know what I have read.

The contestants on AI are there to create an image to match their talent in order to make it in this competitive field. If the a man who signs performers mentions that loosing a few pounds will help, I say listen and either take his advice or not but certainly consider the notion. The comments are being made directly to the performer and done for their benefit. Paula and Randy disagreed, so there you have 3 takes.

I see this differently than a doctor making a comment to his patient though it is common for the medical profession to menion weight if it is a health risk and I see that as appropriate as well. It is all in the phrasing, I am sure.

It is difficult to negotiate the subject of weight without stepping on some toes. It is a sensitive topic.

Fabnsab

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 05:21 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I noted her weight gain too but didn't think much of it.

I chalk Simons comments about weight up to intimidation. He never mentioned Frenchie's, Rubens, or Kims weight because they are extremely overweight(Kim not as much) and he knew that would be way too contoversial because its not like they can just go lose 100lbs. It is safer to pick on someone with 20 extra lbs to lose.

Djgirl5235

Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 05:33 am EditMoveDeleteIP
My only problem, is that it perpetuates a growing problem with todays younger generation.

And a side note - the comment made by my doctor was when I was at a very healthy weight and one year after I had been extremely ill with mono-nucleosis, and had been 26lbs lighter... His comment was very derogatory and definitely uncalled for.

The only problem that I have with Simon's comments follows up from other actors/actresses being told that they're fat when they're not ie. Karen Carpenter, Marie Osmond, the girl from growing pains... all anorexics...

I'm definitely leaving now...

Llkoolaid

Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 06:24 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I have no problem with any of Simons comments. I much prefer the way he tells them the truth than how Paula pussyfoots around. These people are putting themselves out there, it's sound advice from a man who knows his stuff. He is a record producer, he tells them point blank why he would turn them away. Every single one of them know how Simon critiqued the contestants last year when they signed on, so they shouldn't expect anything less this year. I know he sounds harsh and I know that weight shouldn't be an issue but it is. He said he liked her voice, he liked her personality and the only problem he saw was that she could lose 20 pounds. She better be strong enough to take it or she is in the wrong business. I think it is far better to have Simon tell her what needs to be done than have Paula let them think everything is perfect. The facts are that there is a weight prejudice out there which is widely accepted, I know, I have been a victim of it for the last 25 years. It hurts, it is not fair and it makes me angry but it is there. Simon was only pointing out the truth, that her extra 20 pounds could be a problem in her advancing her career.

Fruitbat

Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 06:42 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I think the fact that Simon did not mention weight to Ruben or Kim is that he sees their weight as matching the image. I don't think he would have mentioned weight to Frenchie either.

Vanessa with her pink hair and taste in clothes would probably benefit from a slimmer frame, in his eyes, as far as marketing her style. She has star quality too. He sees that. She agreed with him in an interview. She is planning on losing the 20 she recently gained.

I like all of their input. I sit up and listen when Paula criticizes. She will find something sincerely positive to say to balance Simons critique at times but is no push over. She states her mind with a gentle touch. Randy is in between. Perfect group. I doubt the show would be as good without them.