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Television: Simon Cowell is optimistic about the Davids' future

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Anonymous | 4:12 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

LMBO..........Cowell doesn't know what he is talking about. Last year all he could do was brag about the 2 David's and said that it was the best season ever LOL. And when Fantasia came back to perform he actually sat there and rolled his eyes and made fun of her performance...go watch it and see. People even screencapped his face. And he is always talking about Fantasia and how many songs or albums has she sold...compared to the David bad comes to mind. Both Davids are doing great and Archuleta is well on his way to selling 2 million of his single Crush and his new one out looks like it will be the same, and he is all over the place....doing jingle jams, Macy Day Parades etc. Cowell says what he wants at the minute and changes his mind the next day. ...Just like he declared David A. the winner and the next day tried to take it back. Make up your mind Cowell.........

NEMO Cougar | 6:25 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Oh please, not another Reality of Bickering show. Exchanging barbs with Simon is NOT the way to add entertainment interest and value to Idol. My suggestions: show us real talent and not just the freaks during auditions. Use this to build credibility instead of making fun your own process. Focus more attention on how people have learned and honed their craft -- it's not just about luck. Don't make finalists sing so many 90 second blurbs -- we need a whole song once in awhile. Also, no more "winner's single" they had no role in choosing -- let both finalists choose and record different songs for possible coronation use, and let them BOTH release them as singles no matter who wins. That way they can invest in something that's real.

talent vs stupidity | 6:57 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Fantasia?come one I actually never liked her and the two most talented people that season didnt eve make the finals...not to mention her performance this season.. what was up with that freak show performance??? Season seven was the most interesting since season 4 (Carrie and Bo)... we had real talent those two years and that made the show interesting. I guess it all depends does simon want a season where people tune in because they have a real favorite they are passionate about rooting for (and the two davids had very devoted fans and a ton a talent between them) or does he want a show where they tune in to see if Sanjaya will do something else weird? Guess it all comes down to how much legitimacy Cowell wants to have for the show as a true talent competition.

Comments continue below

greepy | 7:11 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Yeah, Fantasia...who scared you when she came out screeching and bobbing like a rooster on crack. Way to go Simon. You had too really nice hardworking, TALENTED men in the finals this year. Hmm YOu think COOK is boring?? The man has inspired so much good with charitable causes this year, and more friendships have happened because of him, than ANY of your previous contestants.
I don't think I am even going to watch this year..NOTHING can beat last year.

NYCrules | 8:04 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Look what happened to David Cook last year when he DARED to stand up to Simon Cowell when Simon mistakenly said David Cook had no charisma? Simon looked like he was going to bust an artery. "I think I know the rules of this show" he said arrogantly. He called David Cook smug and pompous and Ryan had to say "Look who's talking" to Simon. And look what happened to Danny Noriega for criticizing Simon? He got the axe early and he was a better singer than a few guys who lasted longer than he did. Okay, so he acted openly gay and Americans don't like that, and that's really what got him voted off as early as he did.

Most people watch the show for the talent. Some people watch it for the dialogue and fighting words from Simon, but they're not in the majority. This interview is just Cowell stroking his ego.

Fantasia has not sold a lot of records. She screeches and she has a strange and horrible voice. Fantasia was the worst winner ever. She does have a sweet personality and a good stage personality, but sweet personalities and stage personalities only sell so many records.

Sam | 8:32 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Both David's Archuleta and Cook are doing incredibly well. Both are just simply amazing. Thanks to the judges we are now enjoying the incredible talent. David Archuleta (as an older fan) is still my favorite. I can listen to his voice for hours and his new CD is fantastic. Season 7 was the best season ever as far as talent. The top 10 were incredible, definitely not boring. Congratulations to both David Archuleta and David Cook for their success.

Bender Rodriguez | 9:42 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

I thought Every season of AI was the alleged best ever. Really. Who cares?

Best thing about January '09 on Fox is the return of...... '24'

Cathy | 9:53 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Simon Cowell has a bad memory. Last season there were four outstanding finalists: David Cook, David Archuleta, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns. Syesha has a great voice but it's not distinctive.

Season 7 will always be the most memorable of all Idol years because it was the first year they allowed contestants to play instruments, and because of David Cook and the way he made every song he performed his own. Every one of the 12 finalists this year were memorable and that never happened before. I watched every season of Idol and I can only remember a few of the finalists off the top of my head from each season, but I will never forget this year's Top 12.

This was the first year I actually spent money to see the American Idol tour. I voted for David Cook from the Top 24 week onward for the entire time block. That probably won't happen again. I also watched every show in real time instead of DVR for the first time since 2004.

Randy was right that it was the best season ever. I guess for Simon to believe it's a good season there has to be on-air fighting! Ridiculous!

What really matters? | 9:57 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Next time you see him, ask Brother Simon what he thinks about this county's future. We won't be able to afford any of David's CDs. Bank on it!

Jules | 10:35 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Last year was my first Idol show. As a child of the 60s/70s who lived and breathed music, I thought the talent on that show (especially the Davids) was much higher than I expected. I thought it would be all Mariah Cary-like worbled-voice singers. That would have been boring. But these kids were great, especially the last 10. Very talented, rough yes, but good, raw talent. It made me want to come back next year.

Carrie Underwood | 11:11 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Best thing the show has ever produced or will ever produce. End of story.

PS Simon is stupid

Kelly Clarkson is the Best | 11:27 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

In multiple interviews, Simon has stated that Kelly Clarkson put Idol on the map by selling 20 million albums, winning grammys etc. She is still the biggest pop star to come out of that show and has a new cd in March. Carrie sure comes close but I still think Kelly is the biggest international pop star.

Wendy | 11:29 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

1I think simon is so smart. I think he is Hot

idol fan | 11:42 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

This year they need to have the bottom three punch it out! The loser goes home or to the hospital. You can bet they'll be singing their hearts out the next week! The final two get a choice...win idol or punch the judge of choice. The ultimate winner gets to whup on Seacrest!! Now that would be entertaining!

Anonymous | 12:36 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

So typical de AI. When the season is about to start you can find Paula or Simon giving this kind of statements or interviews to the press just to get the attention of the public right in time. One would imagine that AI can afford paid advertising instead of using the press to put the brand back in the mind of the public and ensure a rating.

Personally | 12:55 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

I think the best to come from Idol would be Daughtry. But of course being an old metal head I have my biases :)

Buzzer | 1:49 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

I don't agree with Simon that the contestants should fight back. The audience doesn't like it and you will get the boot pretty quick if you do it more than once. I do agree that more interesting personalities make the show much better.Fantasia may not have the highest sales of all the winners but she certainly was one of the most captivating contestants the show has had. A vibrant personality, a passion for singing and a unique voice. I'll take that anyday over Carrie - the singing mannequin.

Who cares what Simon say | 2:35 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

His judging is out of wack sometimes. This year he looks so bored in the panel - He is just saving his face for him to say that: "the contestant should fight back" especially David Archuleta I don't think this young kid will do that kind of thing, for he is very respectful kid and he don't have that kind of personality. He is a humble kid don't want to offend anyone. WITH DUE RESPECT, THE RIGHTFUL WINNER WAS NOT THE ONE WHO WON AMERICAN IDOL. YES, DAVID COOK WAS THE WINNER - BUT IT WAS NOT A JOYFUL AND HAPPY WIN THAT THE VIEWER ACCEPT AND AGREED WITH THE RESULT. THAT IS JUST SAD FOR A LOT OF THEM FIND IT IS A RIGGED. David Archuleta is THE BEST THING EVER HAPPENED TO AMERICAN IDOL modesty aside.

Rightful Winner | 2:43 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

David Archuleta is the BEST THING EVER HAPPENED TO AMERICAN IDOL ! HE IS THE EPITOME OF THE REAL AMERICAN IDOL. THAT WHY HIS CAREER IS SOURING LIKE AN EAGLE HE IS MORE POPULAR THAN THE WINNER.

SMFBF Wins | 3:29 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

I must agree with NYCrules regarding Simon's reaction to David Cook talking back to him regarding his charisma, although I think it gave Simon a new found respect for DC. He regarded him very differently after that show, and gave him the praise he rightfully deserved.

And Archie fans, here's a news flash: America voted, Archuleta lost. Get over it already!

Idolfan | 3:38 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Talking back to Simon (or any of the judges) can become the kiss of death for any contestant, and I'm sure Simon knows this. A lot of people think all the judges (even when they're mean) should be treated with the utmost respect at all times. If you read the American Idol message boards you'll see that anything negative that Simon says sticks with a lot of people.

While backtalking the judges might make for good TV, it could ruin a talented person's chances for a music career, and that's what they're there for. I hope nobody takes that bait this season.

Cook fan | 3:41 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

The competition is over. 12 million votes declared David Cook the RIGHTFUL winner. David Archuleta was never upset that he didn't win. Why can't his fans take a cue from him? They're both going to have brilliant careers. This is all that matters.

Michael Johns is the one who got screwed the most by going out 8th. He should've been Top 4.

archulover | 6:29 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

I don't know how Simon could say this was a bad season of Idol... BY FAR my favorite season! The two David... BORING?! I would say anything BUT that! The history of Idol would never be the same without these two men.

CarlC | 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Just because David Cook won by 12 million votes doesn't make him EVERYONE's Idol. Why can't David Cook fans understand that? No one is upset that Archuleta didn't win, people have a right to say what they want, it is still a free country after all.

Anonymous | 7:22 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Ok the truth is Archie got hosed. They had a lot more telephone lines for Cook than David A. People tried and tried to get in and couldn't vote for David A. David Cook had every call go through and every vote counted. It was rigged. Any Archie fans try and vote and couldn't get through?

SusanT | 8:07 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Season 7 was the best ever, in fact David A raised the bar to such an unbeatable level AI will never be the same. Then there was David C and Amanda with their awesome rocker voices, Carly and Syesha with their strong vocals..Charming Brooke and Kristy and the uniqueness of Jason and the rest made this season so watchable all the way through. I will continue to watch AI but it will pale in comparison.

THAT'S WHY IT WON'T STOP | 8:05 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

12 million votes, hahaha! Who are you kidding that does not translate to 12 million individual votes. If they plan to rigged the vote and make it look like realistic they could have just make it 1 mil or 2 mil make it more subtle but having it 12 million it is obvious too questionable - where is their brain. THAT WHY UNTIL NOW ITS STILL BEING TALKED ABOUT IF DAVID COOK REALLY DESERVED TO WIN THIS WOULD HAVE DIED LONG TIME AGO. Only the insiders knows the real truth and WHY DO YOU THINK THEY CHOP OFF THE HEAD OF MR. LYTHGOE YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE - THERE IS TO MUCH CONTROVERSY IN THIS SHOW. Now David Archuleta is more popular than the winner modesty aside.

Cindy | 8:12 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

To say that season 7 was boring is ridiculous to me. This was the first time I actually watched a whole season of idol and it was very exciting, especially the battle of the Davids. David Archuleta's voice inspired me so much and made me wait anxiously every week for a new epsiode AND spend my money. And to think that talking back and scandals is what he defines as exciting? Honestly. I just think that would ruin the singer's chances at winning, which is what they auditioned for.

la | 9:36 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Last season was the first season that interested me enough to actually vote. That's because I heard the rare talent of David Archuleta. It's the first time I've been a "fan" ever. The first time I spent big money going to hear someone on tour. The first time I bought multiple albums for gifts. I'm not just a fan of the wonderful voice but the person. Simon never "got" that David A had enough strength of character to be himself...and he's very unique. By the way, my finale votes were on repeat dial and somehow at least 12 that I heard were diverted to DC. Hmmm

follia | 11:32 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

I think Simon is the dull one here. He still doesn't seem to have gotten what happened last year on ai7. He almost killed the show with his obtuseness. He didn't understand the excitement that David Cook created on the show. He didn't get David's charisma because that comes from something solid at the core, from emotional honesty and accessibilty. Simon can't connect with that it seems. He only understands superficial posing and artificial persona. I thank God that Paula "got" David immediately. The Idol audience "got" David, and continue to "get" him. Yes, it's about the music, but David delivers music "plus" something he wants to experience with his audience. That's thrilling.
To blame the contestants for a boring ai7 season is a travesty. Fox understands this. Hence the ai8 extended promo based on David Cook's win. If
Simon wants to hook people for the coming season, let him find another way. This is too disresptctful for words.

Oh, Simon | 12:15 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

You are a judge who is consistent for being inconsistent. You say something and when go to another show to guess - you say something else. I am just wondering what's wrong with you; you are so pickle minded and don't stick to your words. You are just more for the money than discovering the real talent in the contestant in AI and you look so bored in the panel - It's kind of like a trial and error. You're lucky you just hit being a creator of the show but when it comes to discovering a real talent your zero. Good example is season 7, Yes, Cook is the winner but it was not a joyful and happy win and a lot people knows the rightful winner is David A and a lot of people don't agree with the result they feel its rigged. That's why AI is doing a lot of changes for you're losing viewer faster than you can imagine there is to much controvesy. We are just happy that Archie is doing great souring like an eagle he don't need to be in the tabloid magazine to keep his popularity and to be in the news.

Ruthie | 12:28 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I have watched all 7 seasons and plan to watch the next one. I think they have gotten better down the line. I'm sure season 8 will be great because they have big shoes to fill. Simon is NEVER right about anything. He didn't like Kelly, Carrie, and David Cook at first. So he's no great judge of singing. I believe every time he opens his mouth, putting someone down, people vote more for that contestant. I don't think the show is rigged. I tried voting for David Cook and never did get in, the line was always busy. People that vote the way Simon says, should have their phones taken away from them!

Shenanigan | 12:39 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Simon is lying on several points. Season 7 was the most interesting year yet, with the most interesting performers. Simon does not allow anyone to argue with him or contradict him in any way. Look at the trouble David Cook got into for defending himself against Simon's accusation that he had no charisma! Simon doesn't know the contestants very well anyway but that is Simon's deficit, not the fault of the contestants. He still can't remember Carly's name and has had little to no contact with last season's winner and runner-up. Simon is, of course, narcissistic, sociopathic, cruel, avaricious and vain. He wouldn't be able to perceive whether a person was interesting or not since he cannot see beneath the surface.

Archucookie | 12:57 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Season 7 was by far the best American Idol. If ratings fell, I blame the previous two seasons. The talent of 2008 rekindled my love of music. I never bought into the competitive thing and didn't feel AI could make me "choose" which genre of music I supported. I love both the rock star Cook and the pop star Archuleta. They both have looong careers ahead of them.

Anonymous | 1:34 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I wish this show would end. Aren't there enough mediocre hacks putting out albums already? American Idol has yet to put forth a single person with anything above average talent. But hey, pop music has never been about talent or quality, so I guess it doesn't matter.

Fran | 4:49 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

American Idol produces boring contestants becasue anytime someone tries to be different or show a sign of eccentricity, they are crushed and publicly humiliated by Simon. Contrary to what Simon says, season 7 produced some of the most interesting and talented contestants that Idol has ever had. This is largely thanks to performers like David Cook, Jason Castro and Brook White who stayed true to themselves throughout most of the season. Furthermore, if Simon took the time to watch some of Cook's interviews and live performances since Idol, he would realize that this guy is one of the most entertaining and dynamic performers to have ever come out of that cheesy show. However, once again, Simon displays his poor judgement. Fortunately he surrounds himself with people that are smarter than him, otherwise the show would a complete flop.

RedRose11 | 7:25 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

David A and David C are both SMART -- that's the ONLY true message in Simon's comments. AI is a great platform for helping to launch a music career but ONLY if you have REAL talent and ONLY if you make it to the top. Both Davids' knew this and they took the heat and didn't fight back. THEY OUTSMARTED SIMON and now Simon is embarrassed and has to say they were dull. Also, more likely AI does not have any REAL talent for season 8 and so now the show MUST rely on stupid tactics like adding in more drama. Think about it; they canï¿½t outdo themselves so they try to reinvent themselves. David A is the BEST thing to ever come out of the show. Iï¿½ve never been a fan of ANYONE in my life but now I am. I read the blogs and so many people came to love him after the show when they observed him in interview after interview. The show tried to keep him down but now he is on fire!

FanofDavidA | 7:29 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

The show could end and I would not care at all. I'm just glad David A emerged from this and nothing else matters.

oops | 7:55 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Archletta is good but hey, he's no hero and his daddy is just waiting in the wings to exploit him. Let's not fool ourselves and let me know when he has written and sang his own songs then I may be impressed but at this point he is just another wannabee. To the Utahns if he wasn't portrayed as a good little LDS boy would you have stood behind him?

Clickit8 | 8:29 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

to "oops" It doesn't matter if he doesn't impress you -- he continues to impress millions everyday just by being himself. You sound like your skeptical but just let yourself enjoy his music (or not). The best thing about David A is that he knows he has alot of maturing to do and he aspires to become a songwriter. He co-wrote ALTNOY on his CD and it's great. But for me, even if he doesnt write his own songs I just want to hear his beautiful voice -- he's got a gift and he is sharing it with his fans. We all win. That's what AI should continue to be about.

IndyFan | 8:37 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Simon has been steadily losing credibility with me over his comments, to the point of making me want to never watch the show again. I used to like him because he would tell it like it is about contestants who were irrationally sure of their suspect talent. For him to insist that they were boring for not speaking up, when he himself has made it clear it would not be tolerated, is hypocritical. Him holding up Fantasia as the standard after being horrified at her recent performance is likewise a head-scratcher. His games have become a huge turn-off. I am only glad that the show surfaced the amazing talent of David Cook before Simon turned me off the show for good. I want to watch for talent, not drama.

I have to comment, too, that I tried to vote for David Cook for a straight 4 hours after the finale, and I doubt that I got through more than 50 times, if that. I assume I attempted at least 500 votes in that time. Conspiracy theories need to end. David Archuleta will have a great career without anyone needing to prove he was robbed.

Why? | 9:07 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Why do David Archuleta fans always need to write in capital letters when they discuss David Archuleta? I don't think it helps with their argument. It just makes them sound crazy.

SandyB | 9:38 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I'm happy to hear that Simon thinks that both David's are doing well.

And why are there so many negative comments about Simon saying positive things about the David's? I don't get it.

"he thinks neither David will be a flash in the pan."

This statement is great, so why are people yowling?

WendyLu | 9:54 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

If Idol was a serious, legitimate singing competition instead of a stupid reality show pretending to be one the voting would be independent & limited, untalented shmucks wouldn't consider auditioning for entertainment value, ugly rumors wouldn't be unchecked in order to boost ratings, the judges would be more qualified & David A. would have won. Season 7 was my 1st & last time for Idol, I was so disgusted w/ the show, especially Simon's stupid, contradictory remarks. No once can convince me it wasn't fixed this season. That's legitimacy? Anything for $$$. David is marketable & was going to succeed regardless of the outcome so why not have 2 winners, meaning 2x the profit for AI & 19E? It was all about the $$$! David didn't need to win, he just needed the exposure. I've been listening to music for 50 years & he's one of the best singers EVER in my opinion. He would have made it without Idol--it just would have taken him a little longer.

Rightful Winner | 9:56 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

David Archuleta is the rightful winner a thousand miles there is no doubt about it. The only thing I agree with Simon when he say, Cook is SMUG,NO CHARISMA AND ARROGANT. HE IS NO NOVICE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND HE SOUND THE SAME AND SOUND LIKE CHRIS DUAGHTRY AND WE ONLY NEED ONE CHRIS - NO OFFENSE. Plus he has a credibility issue when he did not acknowledge where he got his arragement until the artist speakout that was an embarassement that AI downplay it. He is really desperate to win and I am not putting him down that just the truth and I hope this time AI should get an unkown individual who has no contract and no experience, who love to sing and really got talent. And its good they pass David Archuleta for I know his Dad won't let them take advantage of his son or let them exploit him and I believe in the saying: FATHER KNOWS BEST. In the music world they will eat you alive if you let them. Now Archie is doing great with his music career and I heard he will be singing in the PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT OBAMA.

THE ANSWER TO WHY | 10:02 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

The reason why they capitalize the letter is to EMPHASIZE their point. I hope this help you.

imxio | 10:24 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

AI has been on a long time. Ratings are down; it happens - viewer fatigue and all that. Simon finds it convenient to blame last season's contestants for it, which, considering the Davids, the interest they generated, and the passions they inspired, is just silly.

Further, considering the changes to personnel and format, and the unprecedented David Cook Promo, the "Powers That Be" obviously think it's the age and decrepitude of the show and format, not the "talent", that's the problem.

Simon's just doing his typical incoherent and rude "whip up interest by whatever means necessary" bit.

And, frankly, shame on him.

COPY CAT | 10:48 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

IndyFan: Trying to copy what the David Archuleta gone through cannot be satisfied with the BOGUS 12 MILLION VOTES. Coming here and making a comment: I have to coment, too, that I tried to vote for David cook for a straight 4 hours after the finale, and I doubt that I got through more than 50 times, if that. I assume I attempted at least 500 votes in that time. Conspiracy theories need to end. David Archuleta will have a great career without anyone needing to prove he was robbed. People are not stupid - Hello! If they could have done it in a subtle way and make it more realistic: they could just do it in a 1 mil or 2 mil that could have been believable and things could have gone to rest - thats why until now its being talked about a lot of people believe it was rigged. 12 million who are you kidding. Plus there are stroll of fans pretending to be David Archuleta Fans. I hope he won't copy this one. Cook is the winner but it was not joyful and happy win that the viewer agree and accept the result.

To be gentle and blunt | 11:02 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

SandyB for the one who won American Idol was not the rightful winner its very obvious that it was rigged 12 million votes are you kidding nobody buys it. We are fine that David Archuleta did not win for he is doing great than the winner modesty aside.

THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE | 11:13 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

ALL SIMON WANTS IS THE MONEY NOT TO DISCOVER A REAL TALENTED INDIVIDUAL - HE IS CONSISTENT FOR BEING IN CONSISTENT. THE MORE YOU TALK THE MORE THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT - SIMON, MY ADVICE STOP CONTRADICTING YOURSELF SHUT UP! YOU ALREADY HAVE YOUR MONEY.

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