Simon Cowell on The X Factor, American Idol, The Voice and Rebecca Black

The Vulture has an excellent chat with Simon Cowell about The X Factor which I think everybody should read. He talks a bit about American Idol and The Voice as well. This is really an exciting year!

Excerpts:

I've talked to industry insiders who say NBC is rushing The Voice onto the air next month for one reason: to get ahead of X Factor. Annoying? Or is all fair in TV?

For sure. You can't stop somebody from doing this. If they want to do it, good luck to them. Every time I hear something like this, I put the phone down and I try harder. I've been in this situation for years in England. We've had so much competition; everyone's tried to have a pop at us. Our shows have remained popular because they are good shows, but they also rely on one thing and one thing only: the contestants.

Idol is such a lovefest now. Ever tempted to throw a shoe at the TV?

If I was on the show, I don't think I'd necessarily be on the same page as the other three. Having said that, they're very happy with the show now. One of the producers has made it very clear and public that he's happy I'm not on it. So I think we're all on the same page. I'm happy to be doing something new, he's thrilled not to have me, the contestants are happy, the judges are happy.