Simon Cowell – honesty is the best polic. Review on Pop Idol

For those of you who have been in hibernation or too busy Christmas shopping Pop Idol is the latest in the ‘become famous in five minutes’ set of television programs, following Popstars, Model Behaviour and Soapstars.

The show started by showing hundreds of people auditioning for the chance to be the next Pop Idol. They had to stand in front of four judges who decided if they were going through to the next round or not. Most people were really awful and I think that the reason most people liked the show at this point was because it was so hilarious watching people who thought they could sing but in fact sounded like they were either in excruciating pain or were being horribly tortured, very slllowwwwwly. After this hilarious stage was over we were left with a couple of hundred people who could actually attempt to sing, well, they were better than me anyway although I can do a very good Marilyn Manson, especially when I am under the influence of a little alcohol. The amount of people were taken down to 50 which is where we get a say. Every week we get ten people who choose a song to sing and we get to vote for the two we like the best to go through to the final.

A very important part of this program are the judges. After each performance we get to hear their views. Neil Fox, Nicki Chapman, Peter Waterman and Simon Cowell make up the panel, most of them being nearly subtle if the person who is singing isn’t up to scratch. That is, until you get to Simon Cowell. He must be the most honest person I have know (apart from me). I would admit that if I was on the panel I would be telling them exactly what I thought as well, isn’t that why they are there?? I do however think everyone I have heard so far (give or take one or two) has been very good so I don’t think I really would have anything bad to say to them. You have to admit though Simon does make the program. Would you really still watch it if everyone was being lovely, fluffy, loving cuddles etc. to each other? The answer is no, because it would be boring. Even if you don’t agree with Simon’s opinions he does make good watching and without him I don’t think the show would have half as many viewers. After each performance the contestants who haven’t broken down crying after feeling Simon’s bite get to go back and chat with the hosts, Ant and Dec. I think that Ant and Dec do an excellent job hosting the show. They make the interviews interesting and funny – definitely a long way from Biker Grove and ‘Let’s Get Ready to Rumble’!!

The program is close to finishing now and there are a few people in the final you wouldn’t expect, Rick Waller being the most obvious. Rick was told that he would never be able to be a pop idol because of his size. The fact that he has a brilliant voice obviously had nothing to do with it!!! I hope that Rick does well and even if he doesn’t win I am sure that he will have a few offers for contracts. Barry White did alright and he isn’t a stick twig!!! Pop Idol is one of my favourite programs on the television at the moment and it’s not to be missed. Even if you haven’t been watching it make sure you see the final and stop complaining about Simon Cowell!! Without him the program would be boring!