Updated 06 August 2003, 15.58

The judges mean business!

Have there been some awful people?
Awful. Absolutely awful, just useless, but you get that all over the world now. We live in a fame epidemic all over the world; it's like a disease. And 99% of the people who turn up are useless, they're just not aware of it.

What's the difference between this year and last year talent wise?
Not much difference. I think the desire this year is stronger because they've seen what could happen to them if they won this competition.

Which songs are emerging as popular?
This is the boring part of the show. You just hear the same songs over and over again. Up in the north we're hearing a lot of Justin Timberlake, which is a mistake. There's only one Justin Timberlake and it's a performance thing, so it's a mistake. They just can't do it and it looks ridiculous.

Simon having one of his 'moments'

What song would you perform if you were auditioning?
It's just about finding a song that suits you. And try and choose a song where you don't copy the original that much. It's a difficult question to answer that one.

What do you think about America talent versus UK talent?
Where I don't see a huge difference is in the guys, but I do think the American girls tend to be better than the English girls. Although I am seeing an improvement in the English girls this time around. I've seen a couple of English girls who are very, very good. Certainly much, much better than we saw in the first series.

Have you got a top tip for a wannabe?
First of all you have to rehearse. Secondly, you have to believe you are a star. And thirdly, don't impersonate people.

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