Poll: 'Idol' Viewers Love Watching Simon Cowell

Poll: 'Idol' Viewers Love Watching Simon Cowell
Copyright 2009 Gustavo Caballero / Getty Images
With the dramatic "American Idol" decision just days away, a new poll reveals that viewers would abandon the show in droves if sharp-tongued judge Simon Cowell was no longer there.

In a new poll conducted by AOL Television, nearly half of "Idol" viewers said they would no longer watch if Simon left the show. While Cowell has said he has contemplated leaving the show when his contract is up, he has also said he is "keeping the door open" to return.

Those who participated in the poll also revealed that they think the current season's finalists were the "hottest contestants" in the show's history. "Idol" favorite Adam Lambert's performance of the Tears for Fears classic "Mad World" was voted best performance of the season, while Megan Joy's attempt at the Bob Marley song "Turn the Lights Down Low" received the dubious honor of worst performance this season.

Viewers participating in the poll chose Chris Daughtry as their favorite non-winning "Idol," beating out Jennifer Hudson and David Archuleta. In addition, 59 percent said they would vote for a gay contestant to win the show.

Published 5/18/09 by the Insider

Comments (12)

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  • Simon makes the show funny. He says it like it is without the boring formalities of being super polite. I don't feel sorry for the contestants, they put themselves on the line. So Simon might slam them, oh well, they did volunteer to be judged.
    I...
    Anonymous 6/9/09 Reply
  • awesome!..

    xoxo hSm 14
    high school 6/4/09 Reply
  • If Simon leaves, so do I...that goes for Randy and Paula as well
    They are a great team
    Anonymous 5/25/09 Reply
  • I dunno !! but i don't like his way in excluding ppl, he can do it nicely.
    SeReNaDe 5/19/09 Reply
  • Reguardless of Cowell's inappropriate remarks towards some contestants and Ryan Seacrest... he would be missed! Listen to the audience when they announce his name. Cowell does have a good ear for an outstanding performance...98% of the time I am in...
    Anonymous 5/19/09 Reply
  • I love simon and this show with out him its not interesting...

    Adam Lambert is Awesome.... I pray for him....
    Anonymous 5/19/09 Reply
  • I love Simon Cowell, and without him American idol not interesting...if he leaves the show I would never watch this show again.I hope Adam Lambert wins this contestant...who cares he is gay...or straight....come on....he is human being...
    Anonymous 5/19/09 Reply
  • I think Adam is awesome and my fingers are crossed for him!! I adore Simon he's one cool fella
    Anonymous 5/19/09 Reply
  • I don't like simon but they still need his voice of reason on the show. Biggest mistake was Danny going I feel
    Anonymous 5/18/09 Reply
  • How about a poll that asks AOL who should replace Cowell? I say Madonna...she'd be great
    Anonymous 5/18/09 Reply
  • I love Simon, but think he can be to vocal regarding the winning potential of any candidate. He tries to steer people toward his choice.
    A true American Idol is someone that can be accepted by all ages, races, and faith. Adam Lambart does not fit...
    Anonymous 5/18/09 Reply
  • Cool:)
    NeverLetGo 5/18/09 Reply