Rating: 
Summary: If you want to win, read this book
Review: I fell asleep reading this book and woke up early the next morning because I couldn't wait to finish reading it! Quite frankly, this is the best book I've read on the music industry. It's honest, it's readable, and it's funny. In the first part of the book, Simon shares his path in the music industry -- and if you're interested in making millions in this industry, you need to read this book. In the second part, Simon shares his perspective on the first two American Idol competitions. What would you pay to hear the judges perspective? This alone is well worth the price of the book. In the third part of the book, Simon gives his practical and realistic advice for "star" wannabees. Read this book and you'll have a much better chance.But I'd pay the entire price of the book just to read and re-read the description of Keith's performance of "Like a Virgin" (starts on page 150). I literally rolled out of bed laughing when I read Simon's "behind the scenes description" as it brought back memories of the show. Believe it or not, Keith's performance was my first exposure to the American Idol TV show and I was hooked! (My apologies, Keith, it just brought back emotional memories of my own experience auditioning for Six Flags -- an experience I recounted later for a class of young dance and singing hopefuls where I received the comment from the instructor, "You're a writer." At the risk of encouraging you, Keith, you might be able to turn your celebrity as the "worst singer in America" into something..... It was an earnest performance and hilariously funny!) Oh, I know, it's fun to "bash" Simon in these reviews, but the truth is, after you watch the show a bit, he is right most of the time and I learned to trust him. I didn't substitute his judgement for my own, but I took it seriously. Now, if there were just an American Idol "clone" show for people in mid-life crisis who always wanted to sing.... I just finished watching World Idol and this geeky good thing seems to be catching on all over the world..... I LOVED this book and I think you will too.
Rating: 
Summary: For the fans
Review: It's definitely a book for the fans but it has its flaws. First of all, the repeated references to strip clubs were tiring. And Simon wrote 2 very LONG paragraphs asserting his heterosexuality. OK, Simon, we got it. You're straight. Not that there's anything wrong with that (ha ha). Kidding aside, I'll give Simon some credit for at least discussing the rumors... As for the overall book, it was a fun read. I got it for Christmas and started reading it while watching World Idol.
Rating: 
Summary: I don't mean to be Rude, But...
Review: Simon: I don't mean to be Rude, But... you suck at writing. You cannot be a writer in a million years. You should stick to what you do that is business and leave writing to someone else.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Bad
Review: For the most part I followed the American Idol show and ended up not having that much respect for Simon Cowell because of his unecessary rude remarks on the shows. On the show, he'll say things maybe just to make the show more exciting or interesting, so I didn't expect to enjoy this book too much, but I thought his opinions in this book were a little more reasonable and more interesting than some of his short comments on the show. It was interesting to read about his past work experiences and I enjoyed his stories of what took place over the life of the first 2 seasons of the hit TV show.
Rating:
Summary: A good book for a lengthy plane ride
Review: Okay, I admit it, I'm a huge fan of American Idol and I have eagerly awaited its return each time.I also have to admit I enjoy most of Cowell's snarks and think without him the show would fall flat. Having said that I think the book is defintely not as good as the show but worth reading. It's rather quick and easy to read - a good book perhaps if you're on a long plane trip because you'll probably finish it before you land. Some parts of the book are very interesting - such as Cowell's tale about the networks that turned AI down, the fact he warns all up and coming stars never to turn down a handshake or autograph seeker because those are the people who will buy their products and support them and the "true" story behind Brian Dunkleman's departure from the show. Other parts about the mothers of the contestants hitting on him and Trenyce's alleged three-way made me roll my eyes and didn't add much credibility to Cowell - even if they are true.
Rating:
Summary: The man is evil. EVIL, I say.
Review: There is a moment, early on, when you realize that this isn't "A Brief History of Time." Do not fear that moment. Embrace it. Revel in it. Because once you accept that, you'll be well on your way to the most entertaining read of the year. I don't believe you need to have seen American Idol to enjoy this book. The book, and the show, provide insight into the superficial aspects of the entertainment industry, and that segment of America (and the U.K.) that chases after it. The characters in the industry, and those from the show, jump off the page and provide a compelling portrait that, hopefully, will make you want to watch but not join in. There isn't a whole lot of "behind the scenes" about the Idol participants. Simon tells us what he thinks of all the finalists from both shows, and yes, we hear that Trenyce was hated by the makeup people and was rumoured to have had a threesome with two other finalists. But (understandably) there is nothing from the perspective of the idolists themselves -- no look into how things were for them living at the mansion, for example. So if that's what you're looking for, that's a book that has yet to be written. All in all, though, it's a very funny, very entertaining read with some good advice (mostly "Give it up") for aspiring singers.
Rating:
Summary: Not bad
Review: Not a bad book and there was some interesting backstage gossip - but if you've never seen and are not interested in <i>American Idol</i>, you'll want to skip this one. A very fast read with just enough of the Simon snark to keep you reading.
Rating:
Summary: Includes helpful tips for aspiring singers
Review: While it was interesting to read about Simon's early life and his views about "Idol," the final section of the book should prove valuable to aspiring singers. In the chapter, "So You Wanna Be A Pop Star," he discusses the astonomical odds of becoming any sort of superstar. It's important for young performers to realize what they're getting themselves into. I only wish he would have fully described the "Idol" audition process more fully, and let people know that the show is not about being the "best" -- it's about being the "best" of those willing to sleep outdoors on the ground for two nights!
Rating:
Summary: The worst!!!!!
Review: Possibly the worst book I have ever read. He seems like an intersting person, but has nothing to sya.
Rating: 
Summary: Barely Giving This 2 Stars
Review: I got a copy used because I knew that I did not want to support Simon Cowell and his egomaniac mentality. This book is full of poorly scripted mis-information. Although he attempts to be truthful, he leaves out the real truth. In one place, for example, he discusses the performance of "Vincent" by Clay Aiken. He describes it as dreary or something to that effect and states that Clay forget the words. What he neglected to say is that the producers added a verse right before the show and that Clay did not have time to rehearse his song . Apparently the audience was given this info but not the TV viewing audience. Simon's book is not really truthful and for a man his age and in a position to be judging young people, he should be ashamed of himself for passing around gossip about these kids. The book is in poor taste.
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