Posted on: Saturday, September 27, 2003
3 more years of mouthing off
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Simon says he's signed for three more seasons of "American Idol."
Simon says he's not dishing out free tips on how to "do" an audition because he tells all in a book to be released in December.
Simon, of course, is Simon Cowell, 43, the king of mean on the Fox-TV reality series, who said in a telephone interview this week from his London home that he's flabbergasted at the phenomenal popularity of the talent search series, of which he is a driving force.
"It never crossed my mind that it would be this big when it was originally created for England," he said of the American version.
"I've signed for three more years. I rent a place (in Los Angeles) every six months, now I'm thinking of buying."
His decision to stay on ensures that "Idol" will have a five-year run, counting the soon-to-be-launched third season, in which Hawai'i has a key role. The producers are in Honolulu next week for the show's first Island talent hunt — Monday and Tuesday at Aloha Stadium, with candidates facing judges next weekend at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
Cowell's in-your-face criticism, usually harsh and often tear-evoking, has made him viewers' hero or enemy, depending on whether you like or loathe his brutal honesty. Sample put-downs: "That was totally pathetic." "Words cannot describe just how dull you really are." "You are the most boring person I've ever met."
Those darts have put him in the money; Cowell reportedly makes $150,000 per episode, though he did not reveal the sum of his paycheck.
His book, "I Don't Mean to be Rude, But ... ," will be published by Random House in December. It will detail his experiences being the "Idol" judge in the hate seat.
He'll admit this much: "I've had harsh criticism all my life, being in the record business. If it was good enough for me, it's good enough for them."
But, said Cowell, "I do have a heart. It's not hatred of the talent; it's just that you don't want disappointment happening later. It's better to be disappointed now, kind of a reality check. You catch 'em early in the game. Why try and do if you don't have it?"
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
