NEW YORK - "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell usually has big bad words to describe the reality show's wannabe pop stars. But the biting Brit sums up his relationships with past "AI" winners with one little one: "tiny."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - While some "American Idol" contestants might fear Simon Cowell's biting criticism, Bucky Covington says he's grateful for it. "Because of him being mean, millions of people watch that show," said Covington, who finished eighth last season. "So I say `thank you' for being mean.

NEW YORK - If we learned anything from Tuesday's installment of "American Idol," it's that Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell still get on each other's nerves. A lot.

NEW YORK - Simon Cowell predicts that the gray-haired Taylor Hicks will be the next "American Idol." "I'm going to say he's the favorite, but what do I know?" the "Idol" judge told Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show" on Monday.

NEW YORK - "American Idol" said goodbye to four more contestants Thursday night, cutting loose two guys and two gals.

LOS ANGELES - An annoyed look from "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell as a contestant expressed sadness over the Virginia Tech shootings was drastically misinterpreted, Cowell and the show said Wednesday.

NEW YORK - Simon Cowell will be insulting prospective singers on "American Idol" for several years to come. Fox announced Tuesday that it had reached a deal that keeps the insult-wielding talent show judge on television's most popular show for at least five more seasons. His contract had been due to expire at the end of the season that starts in January.

NEW YORK - Paula Abdul says she and Simon Cowell, who torments her on the set of "American Idol," are chummy in real life. "Simon and I actually get along great," the 44-year-old "Idol" judge says in an interview in TV Guide magazine's March 19 issue. "We have cultivated a fun relationship. ... He's actually become a really good friend."

PASADENA, Calif. — Simon Cowell, the acerbic Brit who has helped give "American Idol" some of its sharpest — and nastiest — moments, will leave the popular singing show after this season.

LOS ANGELES - Simon Cowell's new TV talent show promises to be a real circus. Singers, comedians, jugglers, animal acts and anyone else hungry for stardom will be welcome on "America's Got Talent," the summertime series that Cowell, the tart-tongued judge on Fox's "American Idol," is producing for NBC.

NEW YORK - Carly Simon has more than a passing interest in this season's "American Idol" and leaves no mystery about who's her favorite remaining finalist - Brooke White.

Simon Cowell’s international pop opera group tours in support of their album “Wicked.”

LOS ANGELES - Paula Abdul has decided she can continue to put up with Simon Cowell on "American Idol." Abdul, who shares judging duties on Fox's hit talent show with Cowell and Randy Jackson, has signed a deal to remain for another three years, the network announced Wednesday.

One night after Glendale’s David Hernandez stepped closer to the front of the pack on the men’s side of “American Idol,” Mesa’s Brooke White established herself as a frontrunner on the women’s side, wowing judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell with her rendition of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” on ’70s night.

LOS ANGELES -- Ellen DeGeneres is dancing her way into the fourth judge's seat on "American Idol." Fox announced Wednesday the talk show host and comedian, who admittedly has no formal music experience other than a passion for tunes, would join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the ninth season starting in January. Reaction: Fans divided