It IS the judges job to tell you the truth, and that's why American Idol is so good. Even thought Simon was a little hard on her... how many people has he trashed before? Did any of those people kill them selves? NO. This girl must have had problems before the audition.

bridget, havertown,

She was slammed for trying to improve her appearance, I don't see how that can be entertaining to anyone. I can't stand to see the show, since there is such cruelty being slung around. There are perhaps several good singers who won't sing anymore because of that, who knows how many were lost.

Roselyn, San Antonio,

American Idol is not to blame. Simon and the other judges only spoke the truth. It is obvious that this young lady had other problems before and after coming on the show.

Sue, PASADENA, USA

These judges can sit on top of their piles and piles of money, and reflect upon whether making a living by ridiculing fragile people is worth it. American Idol is not just about talen; its onerous side is making entertainment out of cruelty and the public eats it up.

Joan, Brownstown,

Contestants may set themselves up for criticism, but the producers are deliberately choosing the untalented for on-air auditions that are intended to make viewers laugh and jeer. And the judges are required to be openly contemptuous. This isn't entertainment, it's willful cruelty. I don't watch.

Lili, Chicago, USA

Seems like a tragic case of untreated OCD.

Dave, Minneapolis, USA

Maybe this vile TV genre will now improve or even better, die out. Whats also sad is Simon Cowell is now worth about 100m for peddling this dumb rubbish around the world.

Joe, Manchester,

i think it was only a matter of time before this happened, most teenagers are cripplingly insecure, put the on tv, put them down by insulting their weaknesses, and it's inevitable.

Amanda, Northants, UK

I don't think Simon was being cruel at all.He told the truth to what he thought and the truth is when someone has braces in their mouth their not going to be able to sing to their potential.Even when this girl speaks you can hear how the braces are affected her speech.American Idol Is not to blame.

Debbie, Salem, MA

Those who cannot emotionally handle being judged, often very harshly, on their talent, appearence, etc. should not go on reality television shows. This poor girl must have seen the show before she auditioned for it, and would have had a very clear idea of what she was potentially in for.

Sylvia, Toronto, Canada

I understand that when someone goes on the show they pretty much set themselves up for this BUT...I also think it is time for Simon to seriously live up to the consequences of his behavior, his cruelty, and his ridicule. Positive criticism is one thing, his behavior is another.

Nicole, Toronto, Ontario

It would seem the death is linked to the girls' humiliation and mental health. However, the invovled parties still set to gain financially from the humiliation aspect of the show. Television should assess humiliating output before ridiculing innocent and sometimes vulnerable public.

Paul, Sheffield, UK