Simon Cowell has issued an apology to contestants from the early series of American Idol, claiming his harsh treatment crossed acceptable boundaries.
The 66-year-old expressed remorse for his behaviour during the programme’s initial years on Fox from 2002.
Mr Cowell’s role as the “villainous” judge on the American show was a similar part he played on British counterparts Pop Idol and X Factor.
The talent show judge admitted he was “not proud” of how he insulted competitors on the series that established him as a household name.
Simon Cowell alongside his Pop Idol co-stars
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Mr Cowell acknowledged in an interview with the New York Times that his approach evolved over time as he recognised the need for change in his judging style.
When pressed by the interviewer about YouTube compilations showing his most cutting remarks, Mr Cowell appeared uncomfortable.
The host recounted instances where he told singers they had “invented a new form of torture” and made comments about contestants’ weight.
“Do we have to go through this?” Mr Cowell responded, before conceding: “I’ve got to be honest with you. That’s why I did change over time.
Simon Cowell with Steve Brookstein, the first winner of X Factor in 2004
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“I mean, I did realise I’ve probably gone too far.”
When asked directly what he was apologising for, Mr Cowell stated bluntly: “Just being a d**k.”
He added: “I’m not proud of it. Let’s put it that way. I never look at this stuff online or anything. You know, I’m not someone who particularly wants to see myself on camera.”
Mr Cowell attributed his behaviour to frustration during lengthy audition sessions and fears about the programme’s future.
Simon Cowell has been a familiar face on screens for over two decades
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PAHe explained that his bluntness stemmed from concerns about discovering talent, fearing cancellation if they failed to find successful artists.
“I didn’t particularly like, I still don’t like, audition days because they’re long and boring. I would get fed up,” he revealed.
The music executive acknowledged that producers inevitably selected his worst moments for broadcast.
He recognised that editing choices amplified his negative comments, noting: “And of course, you know, out of 100 nice comments, what are they going to use?
Simon Cowell’s judging style has changed over the years
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“They’re always going to use, you know, me being in a bad mood. I got that.”
Mr Cowell’s decision to apologise for his approach to budding performers in the early noughties comes over a decade after he first conceded his style needed to change.
In 2012, he told reporters he felt “appalled” by his treatment of participants, whilst a year earlier he admitted crossing boundaries, particularly with more vulnerable contestants.
Despite his regrets, Mr Cowell acknowledged the controversial moments contributed to the programme’s global success.
Simon Cowell currently stars in Britain’s Got Talent
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ITV“But then again, the upside is, I suppose, with these clips, is that it made the shows really popular worldwide,” he reflected.
Mr Cowell will soon be returning to screens in an all-new Netflix series as he seeks out the next big stage performer.