X Factor Judges Take Stock of Season One

The inaugural season of The X Factor was a bumpy ride, with perpetual drama on and off the set, right on through to the end. At the helm were four well-known judges and a tall British drink of water named Steve Jones. Show mastermind Simon Cowell verbally jousted with producer L.A. Reid nonstop, while American Idol veteran Paula Abdul shared so many tears with former Pussycat Nicole Scherzinger as their heartbreaking decisions changed so many contesttants lives. Now that the season is finished, how do the judges feel about how it all played out? Rolling Stone caught up with them on the red carpet of last nights finale to find out.

Simon Cowell

What gave Melanie the edge to win, aside from being on your team?
Well, that certainly doesnt hurt, but Melanie is not a puppet. She thought really long and hard about how she was going to interpret the songs. We called her Eeyore, actually. When she was unhappy with a song, she was very, very grumpy. If she didnt like something, though, there was a reason, and every week we were discovering something new about her.

On the whole, did the U.S. version of The X Factor go as you hoped it would?
Ive got to be honest with you. If I would have known six months ago that wed end up with someone like that I mean, you pray for moments like this. So in terms of job done, we did it. Can we make the show better? Yes. I mean, I will never, ever go into anything going forward unless I believe I can make it better. I have to, otherwise I wouldnt do it.

Is there anything different you would do for season 2?
Next year is going to be a bloodbath. Make no mistake. Youve got everyone out there competing. Youre going to see elements of this in other shows. See, weve got to come out with something next year thats better than all the rest. And thats what we aim to do.

L.A. Reid

Would you consider signing any of your former mentees?
I wish I could sign all of them. I gotta get the note from the boss that says I can, but if I got the word, Ill sign all of them. Love all of them.

What is the secret of dressing really, really well all the time?
Not paying much attention to it. It really kind of more has to do with taste. Everything I buy kind of looks alike, so no matter what I put on, it looks the same.

If you had the chance to pull a Simon and bring back a guest that got kicked off, would you?
No. I think we got it right, honestly. I really believe that from the auditions to the boot camp to the judges homes I think we got it completely right. I think the winner is the appropriate winner. Im happy about Melanie winning. I think Josh was the right number two. We got it right, and America got it right.

Would [unstable X Factor contestant] Dexter Haygood get along really well with your former protg, Bobby Brown, in another life?
Why do you say that? No, thats not right. You sound like trouble.

Nicole Scherzinger

What is your main takeaway from being a judge and mentee on The X Factor?
I feel like I grew as a person, putting all the energy and focus on another person to be the best they can be. And Ive grown as an artist as well, and thats always important to me to be able to grow as a performer, to grow with my music.

How accurate was Simons impersonation of you on last weeks show?
I dont think he was I think hes all jokes, because he was just speechless from my performance. Id like to think that I have a lot more to say than just talking about rainbows. I have survived in this business, I am still surviving in this business, and thats not just about talking about rainbows. I know what Im talking about. Im passionate about it, and I have the work behind me to prove it. I think he was just being Simon Cowell.

Have things settled down concerning your judgment on Rachel Crow?
I have a great relationship with Rachel and all the other contestants.

Aside from The X-Factor, what makes you cry the most sad commercials, puppy dogs, or romantic comedies?
Romantic comedies.

Paula Abdul

All your groups were dismissed early on. Could a group have possibly won this contest?
I really do think they have a chance. Its really cyclical. You have to go back two decades to see groups hitting the pop charts. Its time that groups get big again. Think of what groups have emerged on the pop charts LMFAO, and theres more success in the country charts with groups lately. I had an amazing time working with the groups.

How would [Paulas Opposites Attract collaborator] MC Skat Kat have fared on the show?

Hed kill it. Hed be the one with the attitude. Hed have had a round with Astro, for sure. I miss MC Skat Kat.

Steve Jones

Do you always ask the questions fed into your earpiece?
Sometimes I veto their comments. Sometimes I censor myself, too.

Were the judges ever mean to you backstage?
Mean to me? No. Poking me with a stick Aah, get back to your room? No, they love me. Theyre good people. And I look forward to working with them again.