On last night's American Idol, Simon made a nasty remark about a singer's physical appearance. Nasty ?

Question

Should we as viewers not protest this kind of nasty television? While it may be fair game for Simon and his cronies to judge the show biz aspect or quality of singing, doesn't it cross the line when he makes very nasty disparaging remarks about someone's physical appearance....Last night he called a young man who had prominent eyes, "looking like a jungle beast"

Correction: Simon said "Bush Baby" not Jungle Beast. It is one thing to comment on the fact someone may not have the right show business "look". It is quite another to ridicule them publicly for physical features over which they have no control.

To Chris E. "When was the last time I bought a record made by an ugly person?" I have all kinds of cd's made by performers who would not be considered handsome or beautiful Louis Armstron is one such example. But that is not the point, Chris. My point is that while I can understand agents and producers being candid and telling people that their particular appearance and style may not be suited to show business, it is quite another to ridicule people publicly for their physical features. This is very nasty television, IMO.

Answer 1

I agree that his remarks cross the line - but I also think that he beefs them up for the camera. Who knows if he'd speak that way to someone without the camera rolling. Paula and Randy are just as bad for giggling along with him.

And yes, they're judging on the whole package. Unfortunately we're so stuck on looks in this country that good singers are passed over because they don't look like Barbie or Ken.

As a spin on Chris' comment, when was the last time you bought a CD of someone who couldn't carry a tune in a gymbag just because they looked good? You have to wonder how some of these "artists" got where they are without the ability to sing - it's easy ... they LOOK good.

Protesting will do us no good. We can turn the channel, but that won't make a hill-of-beans difference.

Answer 2

Probably. There is a certain psychology to the whole thing. More likely though, the viewers will side with Simon's opinions. It has happened over and over again. I enjoy watching both David's and I tend to favor David Cook, but I think that Archuleta was the better performer last night. *Sorry*

Answer 3

If people would stop watching that nasty television, then there wouldn't be a show for him to insult people. Unfortunately, we live in a society where this type of crap is looked at as entertainment. Haven't you noticed that the trashier the topics are, the more people will watch? This is the sad sick truth of t.v. Thank you.

Answer 4

Sure, it was in very bad taste for Simon to say such things but he's entitled to his opinion. It was extremely rude for him to comment about that guy's eyes and just as childish for the other two to have a chuckle over it. It wasn't his fault he looks like that. On the other hand, I think that we generally tend to become offended at the drop of a hat.

Answer 5

My family watched it too!! And we felt sorry for alot of people he put down!!! Like the one gal who had on pink stockings on her arms and legs..........Who cares what they ware!! Or how they look , if they can sing, and we thought she was just a little nervous, and that she had the potential to make it to the next level..... but because of her appearance they all opted to "CAN-Her!!!" How sad is that?!!! I also think Simon, doesn't know what good Motown is? And he always cuts them off, when I want to hear what their singing!!! I dont think the English know what good Soul Sound is, or the Motown sound, or maybe its just him in particular, and not the English at all, who knows!! But, I dont think he should be allowed to "Judge" people on their Appearance, or for having Buggy eyes, or any of that nonsense, at all, you know!! They need to make new rules, on the show about that sort of thing!!! So, I totally agree with you on that, hun!!! Smile!!!

Answer 6

First of all, the truth is that image and looks are as important, if not moreso, than talent in the music industry today. If people really aren't physically attractive, they're just not going to make it. I'm not defending that, or saying it's good, but it is the truth.

Second of all, after this many seasons, people know what they are getting into when they audition for American Idol. They know that Simon is paid specifically to make those types of remarks.

If they don't want to hear them, stay home. If you don't want to see them, turn off the tv. If no one was watching American Idol, it would get canceled.

Answer 7

I agree with you but i really believe the producers look for these people. It's business, and i really think everything is a set up, even what simon says.

Answer 8

Maybe people should just send in recordings. Or they could sing behind a wall. Or the judges could all wear blindfolds. Or people watching on TV could but a bag over the set and just listen.

Answer 9

Oh stop, it's just TV! And the young man was OK with it cause he signed the release saying it was ok for them to use his segment/audition.

He actually referred to him as a "bush baby, oh what is it called, you know the jungle beast with the big eyes." The animal in question is a lemur..which does have big eyes...and when pointed out, I could almost see the resemblance.

Answer 10

Everyone expects that from Simon, but Randy has been completely out of line this season he is screaming TONE DEAF TONE DEAF at people! And Paula is off to the side making really weird faces at the camera while someone is auditioning, so yes, they are out of line. And he said "Bush baby" not jungle beast.