Simon bids adieu to Idol

May 23, 2010 - Anusha Parthasarathy

What? Simon is retiring? I’m not going to watch American Idol anymore,” cries out a frenzied Idol fan as news of music mogul Simon Cowell’s retirement from America’s biggest music show, American Idol spreads. Simon, who produces the show, has been one of the main judges over the past 10 years and has discovered talents like Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis who became sensations after their first break at Idol. But with Simon announcing his departure from the show post this season, a big question looms on the horizon — will there ever be a replacement for Simon in the first place?
According to fans, Simon was the biggest draw of the show as the other judges like Paul Abdul and Randy Jackson were angels compared to Simon’s ‘examiner from hell’ avatar. Says singer Shibani Kashyap, “The show just won’t be the same without him. Simon adds character, spice and excitement to the show. He is the one everyone wants to impress. Who would that person be now?”
For others Simon represents what is quintessentially the real flavour of American Idol —sweet and salty and everything in between. “He is one guy who has pioneered the contest and been a charm from its inception, making careers for so many talented singers. Religious followers of Idol will miss him and take a while to accept someone else as his replacement as he had a magnetic personality and was the life of the show,” says Naresh Iyer, singer.
The 50-year-old musician, producer and entrepreneur will be knighted at the Queen’s birthday honours this June for his contribution to music. Apart from this tidbit and a little birdie telling the media about his engagement to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy, Simon’s plans after Idol still remain unknown.
The love-hate relationship that Simon shared with Idol contestants and fans alike will end with more tears than smiles as the legend signs off the show in style on May 26, its season finale.

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