American Idol’s Simon Votes Thumbs Down On iPod.

The tug of war between Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell is great entertainment. Pretty Paula has a heart that reaches out to American Idol contestants. Some would say Cowell has no heart at all.

When it comes to his view of Apple’s popular iPod, it’s apparent that Simon has no brain either.

Cowell is quoted in The Guardian, ““From what I see there is a massive audience outside the iPod generation” and about the diminutive, simple to operate iPod, “they’re too technical.”

The Emperor has no clothes.

Personally, I like Simon’s role on American Idol. While ascerbic, quick witted, and at times seemingly harsh, his view of what it will take to eventually become an American Idol is usually right on the money.

Occasionally there’s a soft spot for a young singer with a clean look that appeals to 13 year old girls. Simon tosses out a thumbs up.

For the iPod, apparently Simon is all thumbs down. Too technical? Perhaps, but that seems an odd response from a man whose commentary on singing ability is often cool, aloof, “technical,” and biting. The Guardian says Cowell isn’t much for technology, “and does not like laptop computers or even email, because the latter act as a substitute for real communication.”

Hmmm. That sounds like a real “people person” doesn’t it?

What’s up with this? He doesn’t like computers, email, or iPods. He prefers “real communication” yet no one has a greater reputation for the TV dagger than Simon Cowell.

Of course, if you can’t handle a personal computer, an iPod is probably not on the shopping list. While I have to agree somewhat with the assertion that email often acts as a “substitute for real communication” (meaning, face to face, voice to voice), it, like the written word and phone call, are here to stay.

Simon does say something revealing, pertinent, and prophetic (albeit after the fact).

“There is a virtually untouched market for 30 to 40-year-olds and beyond who have much higher disposable incomes and would buy CDs and other discs if they were offered the right product…”

On this, as with many of his votes on American Idol, we agree. There’s a huge market for 30 to 40 year olds for music and the record companies have spent a few decades chasing the teenagers, ignoring the market.

Apple’s iTunes Music Store and the iPod and iTunes now make music a more central part of an adult’s life. Why? Apple made it easy and fun and enjoyable to shop for music.

Simon may entertain us with his hit show and wry wit and seemingly harsh commentary targeted toward American Idol wannabes, but he missed his own judgement on music.

He’s right. There’s a huge market for music for adults. He just hasn’t figured out how to tap that market.

How about you? Are you an iPod user? Are you a 30 to 40 “something” who’s figured out how to make music with an iPod? Or, is the iPod just a fad that teenagers will phase out of in a couple of years (BTW, this “mature” adult introduced the iPod to my kids).

Share your comments, commentary, experience, and thoughts with other Mac users and readers. Click on the Comments link below.

Click Here to read The Guardian’s full article on Simon Cowell.

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