Simon Cowell is probably the biggest reality star in the history of American television. I know it sound weird but to think what he has done for television is just incredible. American Idol may not have been the first reality show to top the Nielsen charts (That would be Survivor the Australian Outback, but no other reality show has made such an impact on our society as we know it as American Idol.

When you think of American Idol you think of the foursome of Simon, Randy, Paula and Ryan along with the handful of bad and good singers. You know the catchphrases of the judge, Simon being "dreadful" and "horrid", Randy with his "yo dawgs", Paula and her "I love your personality" comments, and Ryan with his "This is American Idol!", and "American votes" introductions. Though the new judges of Kara and Ellen haven't made as much a dent, they are still in the same lexicon of American Idol.

American Idol began in 2002 as a summer replacement, nobody expected it to become as huge as it did but by the time the first season wrapped it, the show had become an unexpected hit. It also created the career of Kelly Clarkson, and by the time Season 2 had taken off the show suddenly became one of the most popular shows on television. By the third season the show reached #1 on the Nielsen ratings and for the next few years it always stood up there, including right now in the 10th season.

Simon has created the careers of some of the most popular faces in rock, pop, R&B, and soul. The only thing that hasn't been created is American Rap, which might eventually take off. He maybe looked at as the cynical judge from America's most popular show, but he certainly was the anchor of the popularity.

Now with Simon gone, American Idol will loose it's pizazz, and bored and irritated British born judge. It's hard to believe this man was responsible for creating a show that has been at the top of the Nielsen ratings for 6 years! (The Cosby Show and All in the Family never did that).

It's true the talent will always be there in American Idol, but without Simon is it really a show worth watching? That's something viewers will have to decide themselves.