Flemington, NJ, April 30, 2010 – A new media study among 483 American Idol viewers revealed that viewers’ opinions were split on whether Simon Cowell’s critiques to contestants have changed this season, compared to previous seasons.

The study was conducted by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com® website, to obtain viewers’ perceptions on whether American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, has changed his critiques of contestants’ performances this season. To view detailed results go to: www.mediacurves.com.

While 48% of viewers reported that there has been a difference in Simon’s comments, 52% indicated that there has been no change in his behavior. Among all viewers, 42% reported that his comments have been nicer this season, while 6% reported that his comments have been meaner. In addition, among the responders who indicated that Cowell’s behavior has changed, the majority (63%) reported that the change was due to his decision to leave the American Idol show at the end of the season.

Among the findings:

Do you think Simon Cowell’s comments toward American Idol contestants have been nicer or meaner this season in comparison to previous seasons?

Do you think this change has to do with Simon’s decision to leave American Idol

after this season ends?

(Of contestants who indicated a change in Simon’s comments)

Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, president and CEO, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).  You can also receive updates from MediaCurves.com by following us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/mediacurves and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flemington-NJ/MediaCurves/86691908820

HCD Research is a marketing and communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ.  The company's services include traditional and web-based research.  For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393.  MediaCurves.com® (www.mediacurves.com) is a media measurement website that provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.