I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But...: Backstage Gossip from American Idol & the Secrets that Can Make You a Star

By Simon Cowell

Book Overview

No one can deny the impact that X Factor judge Simon Cowell has made. His acerbic put-downs and witty one-liners have sparked international debate whilst at the same time earning him a legion of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767917413
• ISBN13: 9780767917414
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: Broadway
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.6" x 0.8" x 5.7"

Customer Reviews

Interesting Man, Interesting Book

I've always been a fan of Mr. Cowell for his brutal honesty and offbeat charm. Still, his book surprised me with its depth and clarity. It's easy to see he has a brilliant knack for the music business as well as an enlightened view of life in general. Cowell describes his childhood in England and rise to the top in an entertaining, witty way, while paying heed to Idol fans by telling humorous behind-the-scenes stories. This book is an informative and enjoyable read for anyone - who knew Simon Cowell was such a fascinating writer?

An Inspiring Success Story

If you ever wanted to know what it takes to make a hit in the entertainment industry, this is the book for you. Simon Cowell describes his journey from the mailroom at EMI, to his discovery of pop star Sinitta, to his work with writer/producers Stock, Aitken, and Waterman in transforming Sinitta into his first million-dollar hit, all the way through the 90s to the phenomenal hit show American Idol. The book was published in December 2003, and so includes the first two seasons of the show. For anyone interested in the business side of the pop music industry (and the entertainment industry in general), this book should be inspiring. Simon describes how he constantly had to fight to convince record execs that his vision was true and profitable. There are also many juicy stories along the way involving Eddie Murphy, David Hasselhoff, and Ryan Seacrest among others. But for me, the real strength of this biography is the inspiring tale of Simon's persistence and business savvy as he rose through the ranks of the music industry to become the world's best known (and maybe most hated) music producer. Simon clearly explains what makes Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, and Kelly Clarkson stand out from so many other talented singers, and the lasting impression is that anyone who is willing to work hard enough, has luck and talent on their side, has stage presence, mental focus, and at least some business savvy can succeed in the entertainment industry. In many ways, it is a business just like any other. This book is a roadmap to success. Stacey Cochran

SIMON COWELL'S REAL TALENT IS....

Comedy writing. Simon's less than angelic episodes are good for a delightful chuckle. After reading this book cover-to-cover in one sitting because it's impossible to put down once you get started, I have a totally new opinion of Simon: he is a very funny guy. I was entertained & intend to recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh.

The man is evil. EVIL, I say.

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.

I hate to be rude, but did you READ this??!!? It's FUN!

Despite how you feel about Mr. Simon Cowell he is honest and funny. He may take potshots at your favorite IDOL, or even Madonna, Britney and Michael Jackson (they all deserve it)! But here is a man who knows music and the industry! And he is an egotistical hack that has written one of the most readable books of the year. It should be REQUIRED reading for music fans, aspiring singers, and IDOL junkies! Not only does he dish music and the show that made him famous, but he offers advice on how to nail an audition and how to make it in the business!Get past the life story bit, and the book whirls into a comedic journey of AMERICAN IDOL stories and pop culture criticism. Simon is an intergral part of the show - he's the man you love to hate, but honestly folks he knows his subject! You watched from a distance, but he was 10 feet away the entire time. Seems most people are ready to dismiss this book on the grounds of the author's television persona. But I find him witty and engaging as an author. You can't go wrong! Unless of course you plan on audtioning for the next IDOL and dress like a giant banana and sing a poor karoke imitation of another singer. Then you can go VERY wrong!