'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell has defended himself after viewers complained that he is being too mean to the contestants.
The complaints were lodged after Cowell told a contestant that he looked like "one of those creatures that live in the jungle with those massive eyes... what are they called? Bush babies?"
Cowell later said that it was an "off-the-cuff remark... If he's offended, then I apologise. I might never call anyone a bush baby again."
"I feel more comfortable being on a show where we're prepared to show the warts as well as the good things, because truthfully, in auditions... bad things do happen," he said.
Peter Liguori, entertainment president for Fox, said: "I've actually had people say to me it seems Simon is somewhat toned down this year."
"More people are coming to the show... they know what to expect. They have to appreciate the spirit in which that commentary is given."
