Lets take a page from the movie “Back To The Future.” Climb into your Dolorean, and set the time capsule for June 11, 2002, the day the world was first introduced to what would later become the biggest show over the next 8 years, American Idol. Consequently, that is also the date we were first introduced to the cruel and brutally honest British judge, Mr. Simon Cowell.
Prior to the tremendous success of American Idol, Simon had already established himself in the music industry as a tycoon producer. American Idol had also been adapted from a show that he had already developed in England. Once the show debuted in America, he shocked the nation with his remarks, often degrading the contestant before him. He would later defend his canter by stating that if someone is delusional over their singing abilities, then he would be the one to set them straight. More often then not he would be shattering their dreams, but at the same time he may have been the only one who can truly give them that wake up call so many Idol hopefuls desperately need. Whatever the situation, no one can argue that it was Simon that put Idol on the map. He undeniably has played a crucial role in brining Idol to where it is today. The term “water cooler show,” meaning that people would gather around the water coolers in their offices discussing a show they watched the night before, was practically coined over Simon’s remarks. I truly don’t think the show can survive without him.
Why would Simon choose now to go public with the possibility of his departure. His contract with American Idol finishes at the end of next season, coincidence…I think not. He’s already one of the highest paid TV personalities on the air waves today, I bet he’s holding out to become the highest paid. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fox gave him what he wants, after all American Idol does generate revenue in the billions. Simon claims he’s too busy doing his other two shows in Britain, but there is no question that the bulk of his income and fame stems from American Idol. I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of Simon Cowell, and if we don’t, then that will mark the beginning of the end of American Idol.
