Ex-'Idol' Nikki McKibbin blames Simon Cowell for depression, drugs October 17, 2008 Although she already had a lengthy substance abuse history before competing on American Idol's first season, Nikki McKibbin says she now believes Simon Cowell's frank judging feedback contributed to her subsequent drug and alcohol addictions.
Mike Darnell dispells 'myth' that Fox ordered 'Idol' at Murdoch's behest September 17, 2007 Just as American Idol hopefuls have a tale to tell about how they came to appear on the show, Idol too has a story about how it landed on Fox -- however according to Fox reality chief Mike Darnell, it's different than the "myth" that has circulated for years.
Simon Cowell to Kelly Clarkson and Clive Davis: 'Kiss and make up' July 13, 2007 Simon Cowell is apparently sick of the ongoing war of words between Kelly Clarkson and RCA chairman Clive Davis, who reportedly wasn't a big fan of the original American Idol's musical content on her third album "My December."
Original 'Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson parts way with her manager June 12, 2007 Original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, already embroiled in an ongoing feud with RCA chairman Clive Davis over the musical content of "My December," her upcoming third album, has now parted ways with Jeff Kwatinetz, her longtime manager, just two weeks before the album's release.