Simon Cowell paid a visit to NBC on Monday night’s edition of “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” During the conversation, the “American Idol” judge and the late-night host discussed Cowell’s looming departure from “American Idol,” his upcoming wedding and whether or not he is “grumpier” this season than last.
“I thought I was in a good mood,” Cowell told Leno, who then ran the clip of Cowell’s reaction to Haeley Vaughn’s rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” last week. (The 16-year-old singer’s rendition was deemed “a total mess.”) “Maybe [I'm] a teensy-weensy bit more grumpy,” he admitted.
“I’m always kind of upset at what I said, so when I watch that back I have to apologize to that girl … whatever her name was.” He then paused for a beat and added, “Kidding!”
On the flip side, the sharp-tongued Brit mentioned that he was a fan of Crystal Bowersox, the mother from Ohio who bounced back from illness last week to deliver a stirring rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long as I Can See the Light.”
“I tell you who I like, I like this girl Crystal,” Cowell said. “When I first saw her, I described her as a busker, and I liked the way she handled that, because she admitted that’s what she was. But she’s got some confidence now. She was ill, she’s got over that, she’s got a great voice. She’s different. I like her.”
Cowell told Leno that he felt totally secure in his decision to leave “Idol” at the end of this season, and that he has been advising the producers about finding a replacement. “I basically advised them to find the worst possible person,” he joked. “You don’t want to leave and have the show be successful after you leave.”
They also discussed the rumored feud between Cowell and new judge Ellen DeGeneres. “I thought we were getting along, but then she moved to the other side of the table,” he said. “We get along fine, though I did take it quite personally when she moved away from me. I’m kidding! But she’s getting nearer and working her way back.”
“So by the end of the season, she’ll be in your lap?” Leno asked.
“That’s what normally happens,” Cowell quipped. “That’s what happened with Paula. She ended up on my lap — off the show as well.”
Cowell confirmed to the host that he was indeed engaged, and though he told Leno that he was not comfortable talking about his personal life, the host still called his fiancée, “Idol” lead makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy, onto the stage. Upon her arrival, Cowell kissed her and allowed her to share his chair.
Leno also asked Cowell if he misses Paula Abdul, who left the show over a contract dispute before the current season started. “I miss Paula,” Cowell admitted. “I talk to Paula all the time. She was great fun, and it is a different show without her. Something will happen with me and her at some point.”
Does anyone read these posts? Or do y’all just come here to chat? Am I wasting my time with the posts? Please Comment if you actually read this stuff
One of the weakest early season Simon endorsements, ever. He pimped Lil on Leno more last year than Crystal last night.
crystal won’t win anyway, who cares. I felt bad for simon’s gf. Leno is gross with his sexual innuendos.
In response to usage of the “N” word. It is never okay. I don’t think there is ever an excuse for that. I don’t care how young the kid is or if he is Alex Lambert or Alex Lambert’s brother. It is never okay. And I think it is shocking that anyone would excuse racist speech simply because the like the person who said it. It is easy to see why people are not offended by the term. People who are not black often find it difficult to understand how horrible racist words can be. I am half black and I look 100% black. I understand how those words are more offensive than any other words. I’ve seen people use these kinds of words to offend my family and even myself. The N word is never okay. So excuse me for being infuriated by words. This is not the first time I have seen people say racist things in the chat room and I can bet this won’t be the last time.
I have been banned now for speaking out against this racism. And I am okay with that. If anti-racism is not tolerated and racist words are not seen as offensive here, then I think this is not the place for me.
If you weren’t aware that what was said was racist or offensive, now you are.
Is it just me or is Simon’s fiancee not very attractive? Also, they seemed to have no chemistry to me when they were together.
I give that thing 3-6 months tops.
Someone with Simon’s fame and money should have one of the hottest women on the planet. Just sayin…
Guest.. Again.. I’m sorry it offended you.. but he wasn’t using it in a derogatory way… He was quoting something that people claimed his brother had said… Had he used it.. like the person after him did.. I wouldn’t have thought twice about banning him .. I wouldn’t have cared who he was.. I wouldn’t have banned you.. wasn’t my call… Sorry..
EXACLTY! Tati! Maybe Guest wasn’t there for the beginning of the convo. The Race thing was all over the boards last night and this morning, and the kid was just explaining what was said.
maybe he likes her because she’s a cool chick? she’s smart? she came from afghanistan, walked 12 days in the desert to escape (or something).. had to make a name for herself in america. sounds like a smart woman.
simon’s 50 years old, short with man boobs and a flat top. money isn’t everything.