The frost between Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest is back in the spotlight — and insiders spill it never really melted in the first place.
During a recent press tour for his new Netflix show, Simon Cowell: The Next Act, the ever outspoken music master was asked about Ryan’s career… and his response? Cold enough to ice a cocktail: “I don’t follow his career.”
That alone would’ve raised eyebrows — but he doubled down, throwing in a trademark Cowell smirk and a dig about Ryan “always wanting to be famous.”
Hollywood noticed. And according to insiders? This tension isn’t new.
A Decades-Long Disconnect
Industry sources whisper to #ShuterScoop that the chill between the American Idol co-stars started way back in the early 2000s.
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“This isn’t new,” an insider dished. “They tolerated each other for the show, but that’s where it stopped.”
Another source added: “Simon takes little digs. Ryan pretends he doesn’t notice. But he notices.”
Their energy has always been oil and water. People think it was playful TV banter — but they just never liked each other.
That’s showbiz, baby.
Cold, But Never Explosive
According to those close to both men, the vibe was never a blow-up — just permanently frosty.
“For twenty years it’s been the same dance,” said one source. “Simon pokes. Ryan avoids. And every few years, something sets it off again.”
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
As for Simon’s latest shade? “It didn’t reopen an old wound,” another insider explained. “Because the wound never fully closed.”
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Simon and Ryan spent multiple seasons together on American Idol, from its 2002 debut to the brash Brits 2010 exit — playing the part of an iconic duo on screen, while barely tolerating each other off it.
They’ve always kept it professional in public — but behind the scenes? That Idol chill is still going strong. And with Simon making headlines again, the quiet tension just got a lot louder.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica Norton
