Darren Criss Isn’t Famous Enough For Simon Cowell’s “X Factor”

Posted by Emily Exton on 03/22/2012 at 11:10 AM News

The Popdust Files: britney spears, darren criss, glee, simon cowell, the x factor

Last week’s report that Glee regular Darren Criss had been approached by X Factor to fill Steve Jones’ empty hosting spot opened the door for commentary on just how disorganized (and desperate) plans for next season were looking. Cowell called into Access Hollywood on Wednesday to discuss this, as well as the rumors that Britney Spears was being lined up for next season—for a price. On the former, Simon was surprisingly succinct, due largely to his complete cluelessness as to who Criss is. “Darren Criss? I don’t know who he is,” he admitted. “He’s not the one with the glasses? Is he the one in the wheelchair?” No, but would you like him better if he were in a boy band? (Kevin McHale was—for a bit.) He’s also not the pregnant one, the neurotic one, nor the guy with a mohawk, either. Poor Blaine Warbler. Those bow ties and dance moves clearly aren’t enough to set you apart in the eyes and minds of older entertainment moguls. (Remember this, One Direction: Cowell’s golden pedestal can always be taken out from under you.)

“I would love honestly to confirm what’s happening but you know things move around a lot at the moment,” Cowell followed, when asked once again to weigh in on the chances that Spears would land her own chair next to Simon and L.A. Reid. While concrete details were scant, Cowell did emphasize the importance of filling judging seats over the show’s host. “This is all going to happen at the last minute, I can feel it,” he explained. “I think you’ve got to work out the host based on who the judges are going to be, to make sure you have the right chemistry.” Maintaining his desire to hire two female judges, he confirmed he’s looking for both a male and female host for next season. But George Clooney needn’t worry that his girlfriend Stacey Keibler will soon be too busy for upcoming date nights. Contrary to someone’s belief on the Access stage, Cowell thinks she’s “too tall.” “I couldn’t stand next to her!” he revealed. Ah, yes. Because it’s all about Simon. How could we forget?

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