It appears that Simon Cowell has a few regrets.
During an appearance on The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast, the English television personality, record executive, and entrepreneur apologized for his behavior toward contestants when he was a judge on “American Idol.”
“I did change over time,” Cowell said. “I did realize I’ve probably gone too far. I was frustrated. I didn’t particularly like, I still don’t, audition days, because they’re long and boring.“
“I would get fed up. And, of course, out of a hundred nice comments, what are they going to use? They’re always going to use me being in a bad mood. I got that. What can I say? I’m sorry. That was then. I’m not proud of it. Let’s put it that way.”
Cowell, 66, was one of three original judges on the singing competition that became a cultural phenomenon. He became known as a harsh, brutally honest, sharp-tongued critic, calling out contestants for lake of star power and using phrases like “That was absolutely dreadful.”
His disposition was in sharp contrast to fellow judges Paula Abdul, who was more supportive, nurturing and empathetic and Randy Jackson, who offered grounded musician-first feedback and catchphrases like “It was a little pitchy, dawg.”
Cowell, who has judged on numerous other competition as well, was on the show from 2002 to 2010. Clips of his barrages were viral before viral was a thing, and compilations of Cowell’s harshest comments still live on YouTube.
Cowell told the Times he “wasn’t trying to be” mean “on purpose,” but was frustrated that poor auditions would prevent the show from finding good singers.
Years removed he admits he was a bit harsh, but also said he knows his bluntness helped make the show.
“When I hear about these clips, I’m like, ‘Oh, God,’” he said. “But then again, the upside, I suppose, with these clips is that it made the shows really popular worldwide.”