by John Durant

Created on: February 10, 2007   Last Updated: June 07, 2008

I'm certain that without Simon, those stellar American Idol ratings would drop faster than a concert grand piano tossed off the top of the Sears tower. The show would just be another cheap promotional gimmick to showcase mediocre pop star wanna-be's that would be forgotten five minutes after the show aired. I see Simon as a musical superhero desperately beating back the relentless hordes of musical mutants hatched in karaoke clubs all over the world!

Simon sees things in black and white, and although he's somewhat harsh at times, he definitely provides the audience with the most objective opinion of each performance without getting caught up in emotions or sympathetic feelings. His entertainment value is much welcomed when the viewing audience is forced to sit through those painful preliminary rounds, listening to American Idol's version of musical waterboarding that makes dogs howl and ears bleed!

Randy and Paula complement Simon's sometimes harsh approach, but they aren't what makes the show a "must-see television event". I respect their individual professional achievements, but they aren't the foundation this show is built upon. This isn't just a talent contest; it's a high profile record deal that puts many reputations in the balance, and Simon seems to be the only judge who can accurately recognize commercial star qualities that could potentially sell millions of records.

Randy is a gifted producer who provides an educated and valid opinion of each performance, but he's not the reason people tune in week after week. Paula seems to have good instincts about style and image, but at times she forms emotional connections with the contestants that keep them in the mix long after they should be thrown to the curb. In my opinion, both of these judges are expendable, and I'm certain the show would barely skip a beat if they were replaced.

Simon has evolved through the years from a ruthless musical hatchet man to a respected authority on major label talent. Seeing the emotional side of Simon during the fund raising episodes has also strengthened his appeal, and has given even more credibility and longevity to this amazing American Idol phenomenon, which has become a centerpiece of American pop culture.

Whenever I hear folks talking about American Idol, the single most uttered word in the conversation is usually "Simon". Without Simon American Idol is dead!

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