Veteran music executive and reality TV judge Simon Cowell has publicly expressed regret for his famously harsh and often brutal critiques during his tenure on the iconic singing competition American Idol. In a candid new interview, the 66-year-old admitted he is "not proud" of his past behaviour and offered a sincere apology.
"I'm Sorry": Cowell's Candid Confession
In an interview with The New York Times published on November 29, 2025, Cowell reflected on his controversial judging style that defined early-2000s television. He confessed that looking back, he believes he crossed a line. "I wasn't trying to be a dick on purpose," Cowell stated, explaining his primary goal was to swiftly find genuine talent for his record label.
He described the tedious audition process, where his impatience sometimes took over. Cowell's method was notoriously blunt: "after 10 seconds, 'You can't sing.' Not, 'You're going to be brilliant.'" When confronted about the fine line between honest critique and outright humiliation—highlighted by countless online compilations of his sharpest remarks—Cowell acknowledged the impact. "That's why I changed over time," he said. "I did realise I've probably gone too far."
The Reason Behind the Ruthless Persona
For many viewers, Cowell's cutting persona was integral to the show's drama and global popularity. Behind the edited soundbites, however, was a man driven by a specific mission. Cowell clarified that the pressure to find marketable stars for the show's associated record label fueled his direct approach. The success of the entire venture, he implied, depended on quickly identifying real, bankable talent.
"Of course, out of a hundred nice comments, what are they going to use? They're always going to use me in a bad mood," he remarked, acknowledging the role of television editing. Yet, he did not shy away from taking personal responsibility. His final word on the matter was simple and direct: "I got that. What can I say? I'm sorry." He added, "That was then. I'm not proud of it, let's put it that way."
Cowell's Next Act: From Regret to New Projects
While Simon Cowell's era on American Idol is long over, he remains a towering figure in the world of talent television. He currently serves as a judge on America's Got Talent. Furthermore, he is actively promoting his upcoming Netflix series, titled 'Simon Cowell: The Next Act', which is scheduled to begin streaming in December 2025.
This reflection marks a significant moment for the judge, often seen as the archetype of the brutally honest critic. His apology connects with a broader cultural shift towards more constructive feedback, even in the high-pressure world of entertainment competitions. It seems the man who made "mean judge" a television staple is now embracing a more measured legacy.
