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

by Cowell, Simon

• ISBN13: 9780767917414
• ISBN10: 0767917413
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-12-01
• Publisher: Broadway

Summary

Do YOU have what it takes to be a star? Simon Cowell reveals the answer and takes you behind the scenes of American Idol in this wickedly entertaining tell-all. Since the debut of American Idol, puckish Brit judge Simon Cowell has become America's most notorious criticnot only on account of his incredible instinct for spotting the next breakout musical stars, but for his hilarious, shockingly candid repartee with everyone who crosses his path. Now, true to form, he holds nothing back, offering you a backstage pass to America's hottest showthe highlights, the gossip, the contestants who blew their chancesand takes you on a whirlwind tour of the music business while sharing his own insider opinions, on everything. From his days in the mailroom at EMI Records to the creation of American Idol, Simon has always had a knack for judging talentand for being center stage. Here, he tells the rollicking stories of his first insult (to his mother), his first music criticism (to first-grade teacher Mrs. Prigg), and his first image makeover (on his unfortunate younger brother). And of course, the side-splitting backstory of the birth of American Idoland all the dreadful auditions, bad hair days, judges' squabbles, juicy rumors, surprise triumphs, and #1 singles that followed. With his trademark wit and brutal honesty, Simon delivers the real dish on: Who gave the best and worst performances on the show? What really goes on between the three judges (and what was it like to kiss Paula Abdul)? Who were the biggest divas when the cameras weren't rolling? And, if you're an aspiring Justin or J.Lo, you'll also learn the trade secrets that only Simon knows: how to develop an image and make the most of your talent, how to find an agent or manager, how to nail an audition, andshould you be so lucky to make it to the tophow to stretch your 15 minutes into a career. Packed with razor-sharp insights into music, the fame game, and pop-music powerhouses from the Beatles to Britney Spears, I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But...is your ticket inside American Idol, and a highly amusing, no-holds-barred look at what it takes to make it big.

Author Biography

<p>In his twenty-five years in the<b> </b>music industry,<b> </b>record impressario<b> Simon Cowell</b> has shaped modern pop music. A BMG record executive, he has thirty-four #1 singles, over one hundred Top Thirty records, and has sold more than ninety million albums.</p>

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
The Birth of the Rude	p. 13
False Starts	p. 31
On the Right Track	p. 48
Hitting the Big Time	p. 63
Idol Chatter	p. 84
Coming to America	p. 92
Here Come the Judges	p. 106
Down to the Wire	p. 133
Second Time Around	p. 142
The Stars Come Out	p. 158
Back in the Spotlight	p. 172
The Final	p. 195
So You Wanna Be a Pop Star	p. 209
Reaching the Finish Line	p. 224
Acknowledgments	p. 243
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