When Fox introduced us to Simon Cowell and American Idol in 2002, it changed everything we knew about reality TV. Simon, the brash Brit, held nothing back when critiquing wannabe stars. He and judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul helped launch the careers of some incredible stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson. Overseeing the judges’ selection of who would and would not go to Hollywood was a huge part of Idol’s appeal. Millions tuned in each week, helping make the show a pop culture phenomenon.
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Simon Cowell Loved His Time On “American Idol”
During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Simon Cowell said he adored those first few years on American Idol.
“We really did have a good time — me, Randy [Jackson], and Paula [Abdul], when it was the three of us. It was just brilliant. And then I think after Paula left, I thought, ‘Yeah, that’s it. It’s not gonna be the same now.’ And so I was very quick to follow,” he said.
Simon said the first season of the show turned out perfectly. “Oh, it was like a dream. I do remember actually saying to someone, hypothetically, ‘I’m certain there’s someone out there and he or she’s probably working in a bar, has tried to get a deal, can’t get into the right people or the label, but is brilliant,’” he said.
And even after all these years, Simon Cowell thinks Kelly Clarkson, the very first American Idol, is still the best.
“You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect winner. And we’re still friends today. She’s a amazing person, incredible personality. And just this killer voice. It was like a movie. I just wish it wasn’t the guy. There was this other girl, Tamara, and she was phenomenal, and the two of them in the final [episode], that could have been amazing, but it didn’t quite work out,” Simon said.
We have to agree. Kelly Clarkson is the kind of success story that comes once in a lifetime, and we’re so glad Simon Cowell made it happen.
This story’s featured image is by Jason Merritt/FilmMagic for Fox Television Network.
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