I have been particularly uncomfortable with what looks like an unfairness and a disrespect with regard to the treatment by Simon of some contestants, for example, of Leona Lewis. Lewis is an extremely talented woman, and my comments do not reflect a lack of respect for her work. However, I believe that Simon did her and the program a disservice in the manner in which he “elevated” her. For example, he said in one episode that Leona was the best contestant of all of his shows, it seemed to disrespect the other contestants. The actual process of completing that year of the X Factor appeared to be a “going through the motions,” rather than an honest competition. Such unfairness seems sad, if nothing else and does an injustice to all involved. Simon did not actually have to demean his previous (and then current) contestants in order to praise Leona. Some of the film clips showed his greater enthusiasm for Leona throughout the entire selection process, and it made the process to seem unfair.

The best art is about respect, beauty, truth. I think that Simon knows that. He has much to offer and has provided great encouragement to many, particularly on the extremely classy Britain’s Got Talent. I think that even in promoting art it is possible to reflect it by creating processes that are respectful, truthful, and inclusive of great human diversity — even diversity of talent. I would like to see processes that appear to be more fair.