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There you have the magic of Idol: British headmasterly discipline running smack into the preternatural sense of self-esteem--often inversely proportional to talent--that Americans have hardwired into them from the womb. You may wince at Cowell's barbs, but you also welcome them when Abdul or Jackson offers a wimpy "Good job" to a singer who has scraped the fingernails of her ambition down the chalkboard of her limited ability. And many contestants give as good as they get. "Paula Abdul hasn't had a hit in 10 years," said first-round ejectee Mary Iaconelli in an interview. "The attitude is stronger [in the U.S.]," says co-executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.
Sometimes it's too strong for comfort. After the auditions in New York City, crew members spotted a couple of rejectees lurking outside the studio with baseball bats. The show has since hired security. Says Cowell: "I didn't want people to think they could get on TV by smacking me in the mouth." Imagine, becoming famous just for knocking someone around! Where ever would anybody get the idea that you could do that? --With reporting by Jeanne McDowell/Los Angeles
AMERICAN IDOL airs on Fox, Tuesdays, 9 p.m. E.T., and Wednesdays, 9:30 p.m. E.T.