Simon Cowell Reignites Feud Rumors With Brutal Shade Toward Ryan Seacrest

Simon Cowell is opening up about his complicated relationship with longtime "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, and fans are shook. In a recent chat, Cowell shared some blunt remarks that instantly sparked speculation about a behind-the-scenes rift between the former "American Idol" costars, who helped launch one of television’s biggest franchises together back in 2002. Their on-air chemistry was iconic, but their history, filled with tense exchanges, competitiveness, and occasional jabs, has always fueled rumors of friction. Now, Simon Cowell’s latest comments are reigniting questions about what really happened between the two TV titans.

In a rare new appearance on The New York Times’ podcast "The Interview," the 66-year-old reality TV mogul addressed whether he keeps up with Seacrest’s career, weighed in on the host’s rise to fame, and revealed that the two “rarely talk now.” When asked why he thought Ryan Seacrest became so popular. His answer was unexpectedly sharp. “I don’t know, actually,” Cowell said. “He was very, very ambitious. And look, I don’t follow his career if I’m being honest with you. So I don’t know what he’s done or doing.”

He added that Seacrest has always been laser-focused on fame. “I always knew with Ryan, he was very steely about his career, wanting to be famous," the former "American Idol" judge said. "I mean this massive, massive desire about being very famous.”

Cowell did offer one nod of praise, saying Seacrest “does work hard.”

This isn't the first time there has been a suggestion of real friction between the two. In 2007, during a live episode, Seacrest asked Cowell if he had advice for contestant Melinda Doolittle, who was performing in four-inch heels. Cowell quipped, “You should know, Ryan.”

Seacrest hit back, “Stay out of my closet," to which Cowell replied, “Come out!” Seacrest then shut it down with, “This is about the top 12, not your wishes.” Sources later claimed parts of the exchange were scripted and that the two were “real good friends off-camera,” often getting drinks and dinner during auditions.

Later the same year, tensions resurfaced when Cowell called Seacrest a “sweetheart.” Seacrest shot back, “Don’t call me sweetheart… We don’t have that kind of relationship," to which Cowell replied, “I don’t want that kind of relationship.” Seacrest agreed, “Exactly. We’ll just work together.”

Their banter escalated again when Seacrest accused Cowell of being “so negative,” to which Cowell responded, “I’m not being negative. Unlike you, I actually respect the audience at home, and I don’t believe in lying to them.” Seacrest noticeably excluded Cowell’s name when thanking the judges later in the episode.

Cowell wasn’t the only one throwing shade. In 2010, shortly after Cowell left "Idol," Seacrest told Entertainment Weekly that Cowell had been “so jealous” of him, claiming, “From day one, he was envious of my career at such a young age.”

He later softened his stance. In a 2010 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Seacrest insisted, “We’re actually friendly. We don’t hold a grudge. We have a very competitive spirit and attitude on the show, but we’re friends.”

And in 2017, he praised Cowell again on Ellen, calling him “always entertaining."

Cowell and Seacrest’s professional relationship began with the debut of "American Idol" in 2002. Cowell sat on the judging panel with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, while Seacrest co-hosted with Brian Dunkleman before becoming the show’s solo host.

Cowell’s involvement began a year earlier on the U.K.’s "Pop Idol," and he helped pitch the U.S. version, a move that led to the creation of one of the most influential reality competitions of all time. Though Cowell eventually departed the series in 2010 at the height of its popularity. Meanwhile, Seacrest has remained the face of the franchise for more than 20 years.

And whether the new comments from Simon Cowell reignite old drama or simply reflect time and distance, it's clear that the Cowell-Seacrest dynamic remains one of "American Idol"’s most fascinating legacies.