Simon Cowell

Picking Our Winners

Simon Cowell is the Barry Goldwater of reality TV: in your heart, you know he's right. After a weak rendition of You Keep Me Hangin' On last month on an episode of American Idol, sweet-faced Leah LaBelle was told by Cowell to "pack your suitcase." The crowd booed him lustily. The next night Idol's army of home voters sent LaBelle packing. This is the Cowell paradox. Fans of Fox's megahit talent show--not to mention its contestants--have few kind words for the adder-tongued English judge. He's been jeered, doused with a glass of water on camera and even menaced by an Idol...

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