It's no secret that 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell likes doling out harsh criticism to contestants on the hit show. But are his "tips" mean or helpful? He once told Jim Verranos, a semifinalist in the first season, "If you win this competition, we will have failed." Ouch. He even told Soul Patrol man Taylor Hicks, who went on to win season five, that his version of 'Jailhouse Rock' was "karaoke with a capital K." Double ouch.
Relive some of Cowell's most unforgiving one-liners, including his swipes at the show's popular host, Ryan Seacrest!


i love simon cowell! he is so honest and also brought one of the most watched shows to america!
alyjah at 5:18PM on Jan 25th 2008