Simon Cowell Speaks His Mind

Simon Cowell has turned the ordinary insult into an art as a judge on television's "American Idol."

Now, in his new autobiography, "I Don't Mean to be Rude, But ...," Cowell doesn't hold anything back. He offers some blunt observations about the entertainment industry and many of the people in it.

Cowell visits The Early Show on Friday to discuss his book and his thoughts on today's entertainers.

Since the debut of "American Idol," Cowell, who's British, has become America's most notorious critic -- not only on account of his incredible instinct for spotting the next breakout musical stars, but also for his shockingly candid repartee with everyone who crosses his path.

In "I Don't Mean to be Rude, But ...," Cowell offers a backstage pass to America's hottest show and takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the music business, while sharing his own insider opinions on everything.

Simon Cowell on ...

Paula Abdul
"As much as it pains me to say it … I realized that Paula Abdul was a bloody good judge. It had taken me all of one year and most of the next, but I finally saw how much she meant to the show and how sincere she was about singing and performing. I don't always agree with her, obviously, and I don't agree with consistently supporting the underdog at times and giving them false hope, but she had become, over time, an integral part of the show."

J.Lo
"J.Lo…embodies the American Dream: Her rags-to-riches story proves that anyone can do great thing with hard work, talent, and a little luck And anyone who can make light of herself by saying, 'You can serve coffee using my rear as a ledge' is fine by me."

Whether or not he's gay
"I think this is the proper time for me to come and admit the truth, which is that I'm straight. Maybe it's true that I don't like the traditional macho things. I don't play rugby. I don't drink beer. I don't hang out in pubs. I take an interest in what I wear. And I'm 43 years old and single. But if I were gay, I would happily admit it"

Britney Spears
"If you asked me to describe Britney Spears, I'd say she's pretty. I wouldn't say she's beautiful, and I certainly wouldn't say that she's sexy. At the outset of her career, I believe that most American girls related to her. They didn't feel threatened by her. But years later, when she tried to make herself sexy by wrapping pythons around her neck, she succeeded only in making herself look ludicrous."

The preceding excerpts were taken from "I Don't Mean to be Rude, But ...," by Simon Cowell, Copyright 2003 by Simon Cowell. Excerpted by permission of Random House, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of the excerpts may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.