Simon Cowell has admitted that American Idol “must do better” when it comes to finding an artist who can survive for more than one album.

When asked about the fact that past AI contestants Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee and Ruben Studdard have all now been dropped by their record labels Cowell commented:

“It’s a reflection on the unpredictability of the record business. Fortunately, we got it right more than we got it wrong,” Cowell explained. “There’s no scientific way to explain what happens. It’s a reality show and what happens at the end is also reality.”

Simon also admitted to feeling disappointed when last years AI winner, Jordin Sparks and runner-up Blake Lewis failed to achieve the number one spot with their singles.

“Naturally, I’m disappointed that they didn’t sell more copies or that neither artist has caught on fire,” he said. “What you want [is] a Carrie [Underwood], Christopher Daughtry or Kelly Clarkson, where they’re competing with the Mariahs. It didn’t happen. Am I surprised? Not particularly. The public decided it’s not necessarily what they wanted, so we have to try to do better this year.”