234”
93”
SCREEN MATCH!
Randy Jackson
CURATOR’S NOTE: “My high school buddy David Kramer was Simon Cowell’s real estate agent when he first arrived in the US to shoot American Idol , and needed to lease a mansion in Beverly Hills. David was happy to contact Simon on my behalf, to determine if he might be open to sharing something that could be celebrated alongside other early reality and competition programs and their pioneers. Simon warmly invited me to stop by ‘anytime’ to his home on North Beverly Drive. It was my practice to immediately respond to such opportunities, both as a sign of respect, and also while my mission was still fresh in minds. I arrived noon the next day, and Mr. Cowell’s maid answered the door, then phoned her boss, who told her what to provide. She disappeared for some time before returning with one of the signature black Armani ensembles worn by the talent mogul throughout season 1 of the show…but it was wrinkled and worn. She said: ‘Mr. Simon said to give you a black outfit, but the only one I can find is in the laundry hamper.’ No brainer for me: while they would need to be professionally cleaned for proper longterm preservation, I knew for sure they had been worn by the most enduring personality of competition programming, even more popular today as creator and judge on America’s Got Talent , the current #1 show on network television.” - James Comisar
Simon Cowell
Talent search audition room “American Idol” logo backdrop (top center) featuring former winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard & Carrie Underwood; judges desktop Coke cups (set of 3) each signed by a judge (center left); and a season 1 Simon Cowell signature black Armani tee- shirt ensemble from American Idol. Backdrop acquired from series art director James Yarnell & Fremantle Media, and the ensemble from Simon Cowell.
182
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog