Simon Says: I Don't Listen to the Contestants

Posted Apr 29th 2007 2:45AM by TMZ Staff

While "American Idol" contestants are singing their hearts (and lungs) out every Tuesday night, there's something Simon Cowell isn't doing -- paying attention!

Cowell admits that instead of listening to the wannabe singers, most of the time he's trying to find ways to screw with Paula Abdul's head! Simon tells Ellen DeGeneres, "I'm taunting Paula throughout the performance ... I make things up about the song, hoping she'll say them, like, 'That was the theme song from "Star Wars," you should mention that.'" After watching Abdul's wacky appearance on QVC, it's easy to see how she might fall for something like that.

Simon's not totally making up his critiques during the show -- he pays attention during the dress run, when there's no audience screaming during the vocals.

Filed under: American Idol

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1. Bad Lie

Posted at 2:50AM on Apr 29th 2007 by Do it better

2. So much for getting payed to do a job!

Posted at 3:28AM on Apr 29th 2007 by Happy

3. You know, I thought I was the only one who saw Paula's spaced out appearance on QVC. She needs to have her meds adusted or something!!!

Posted at 8:26AM on Apr 29th 2007 by deejay

4. Nigel Lithgow said he's never listened to any of the winners albums. Amazing.

Posted at 8:39AM on Apr 29th 2007 by Trish

5. I have noticed that Simon doesn't even look at anyone Esp: When he is Judging the Contestants. He almost acts shy.

Posted at 8:42AM on Apr 29th 2007 by Angie

6. Simon isn't shy. He is bored. So am I. As for playing with Paula's head, that would be an easy job and one he shouldn't be paid to do. This show is something he must suffer through and when each season is over, he moves on. He doesn't care one whit about these contestants.

Posted at 9:50AM on Apr 29th 2007 by Diamondintherough

7. i totally adore simon he makes the show fun on top of every comment he makes i am thinking he just says it like it is which is good
as for paula he is totally loyal to paula and randy and thats what makes him so likable
he is a success because he is smart
love american idol was very upset with the people voting for sanjaya and risking losing good singers why would anyone try and sabotage a show that helps every day people become successful its disgusting that people listened to loser howard stern and was voting to keep sanjaya on when clearly he could not sing
in any event thisamerican idole should live on forever its great entertainment
and i myself enjoy the show

Posted at 9:59AM on Apr 29th 2007 by mk

8. I wanna F--K him SO BAD. I just love bad boys!!!

Posted at 1:26PM on Apr 29th 2007 by BAD GIRL HOT FOR SIMON

9. As usual TMZ you come up short in your news reporting. All week America gives back is the focus, I looked in vain for your reports on this newworthy! topic. You reported nothing.

He also gave his reasons to why he listens to practices. He said that there were echo's and that it was so loud in there with fans, that he could not hear correctly.

He is doing his job, it is unfortunate you do not do your job Harvey and report real news!

Not just snippets of unimportant drivel.

Some of us would like to read those subjects that are worth reading!

Posted at 1:27PM on Apr 29th 2007 by TMZ Watch

10. Why is Simon trying to increase his fame by playing high school with Paula? Does he not realize he just looks like the dork guy trying to show the pretty girl he likes her by pulling on her pig tails? Well... I think you are cool Simon. Keep pulling those pig tails, just like in the good old days when you were dipping them in ink wells.

Posted at 4:35PM on Apr 29th 2007 by Alchemy Unplugged

11. So, someone please remind me again...... What EXACTLY is Simon getting paid multi-millions to do? Wear nipple tight baby tees???????

Posted at 5:05PM on Apr 29th 2007 by A.I. is rigged

12. It's very plain to see that Simon isn't paying attention to the singing. While the singing is going on he's usually muttering some spew in Paula's drunken ear. Look and see for yourself when the contestants are singing. This show has jumped the shark this year. It's the worst A.I. EVER.

Posted at 5:09PM on Apr 29th 2007 by Send Sanjaya back to India

13. they should get married

Posted at 7:27PM on Apr 29th 2007 by hotmama

14. 3 easy payments of $15.00??????????????

Posted at 10:47AM on Apr 30th 2007 by sarah

15. I feel that any contestant entered for American Idol should not be allowed to enter if they are of have been paid as back up singers for professional singers like Usher, etc.. This is to find the unfounded talent of the world and if anyone and everyone who was or is a back ground singer and as Randy Jackson calls Melinda a pro - this should not be allowed. You have age limits and this should be another limit restriction. I thank you for your time and attention to my message. Please pass on to your producers for the next American Idol series. Thank you so much, Jane Fox, Ocla, Fla.,

Posted at 2:04PM on May 16th 2007 by Jane Fox

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