Simon Cowell: American Idol "Is a Better Show Than Last Year"

Simon Cowell

He may be gone from the judges table, but Simon Cowell isn't afraid to admit American Idol is doing just fine without him.

"I personally think it is a better show than last year," the acerbic former host tells Piers Morgan in an interview set to air March 14. "I genuinely do. I think what they've got is that it feels to me that they've got their energy back, that they're confident, that they're competitive."

Simon Cowell on X Factor judges: Paula Abdul maybe, Elton John no

In the clip from Piers Morgan Tonight, Cowell also discussed why last season didn't work. He says the new combination of judges (namely the loss of Paula Abdul and the addition of Ellen DeGeneres) created a "weird atmosphere" for the competition.

"I always think of Idol really as me, Paula, and Randy [Jackson]," he tells Morgan. "And I think when other people were brought in, and Paula wasn't there, it was, to me, like being on a different show."

Watch the clip:

Do you agree with Cowell?

Sign In to add your favorite shows, teams, and celebrities

TV Shows

8:00PM ABC
10:00PM Bravo
Advertisement

Watch Full Episodes

Find a TV Show
120528hp-photo-gallery-kirstie alley2

Dancing Stars' Weight Loss

See Kirstie Alley and other celebs who used their time in the ballroom to dance away their extra pounds