What would “American Idol” be without snarky judges?
But how mean is too mean?
“Idol” and Fox executives brushed off recent criticism that the judges have been unusually cruel this season.
“If you don’t want to hear that, don’t show up,” said notoriously prickly judge Simon Cowell, referring to the contestants who audition.
“I think it’s part of what makes ‘American Idol’ ‘American Idol,’ ” said Peter Liguori, Fox entertainment president.
Last week, “The View” co-host Rosie O’Donnell harped on the rough treatment by “three millionaires, one probably intoxicated.”
During the Seattle audition, the judges sniped about Jonathan Jayne’s performance of “God Bless America.” The New York Times later reported that Jayne had said he had appeared in the Special Olympics.
Usweekly.com
asked: “Are the `American Idol’ judges too mean this year?”
Yes: 51%
No: 49%
