Simon Cowell talks ‘The X Factor’ and ‘American Idol’ in GQ interview

Simon Cowell’s new program, “The X Factor” is just weeks away from making its American debut. The show, a singing competition in which the winner will receive a $5 million recording contract, could easily be described as “American Idol” on steroids.

Cowell had hoped to bring “The X Factor” to the U.S. years ago. But after “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment filed a lawsuit citing similarities in the two programs, Cowell was forced to delay his plans for five years.

The waiting period is now over and Cowell is out trumpeting the singing competition, including in the September 2011 of GQ. And in true Simon Cowell fashion, the former “Idol” judge takes a swing at his former employer while also giving his thoughts on life, death, children and growing up.

Following are a few snippets from the article. The full story is available at GQ.com.

• On tiring of “American Idol”: “The first two or three years on “Idol,” I had a blast. And then, as it got more and more successful, I didn’t want to do it anymore. I just felt I was there being paid to do a role, and after a while that’s not very satisfying.”
• On growing up: “My worst nightmare in the world would have been if I’d had to join a golf club and have miserable suck-up evenings with the boss. I actually would rather throw myself off a bridge than have that.”
• On his competitive streak: “I have no issues saying that I am incredibly competitive. I take more pleasure out of my own success than other people’s success. It’s just one of those things.”
• On having children: “With the way I live my life, I wouldn’t have the patience. I’d sort of want people born at the age of 10, I think.”
• On his plans to be frozen after he dies: “It’s an insurance policy. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. If it does work, I’ll be happy. If it’s possible, and I think it will be, why not have a second crack? Does that sound crazy? I think it’s a good idea.”

“The X Factor” debuts September 21 at 8 p.m. ET.