According to Reuters, in 2010, Elton John made waves for publicly criticizing many of the talent competition shows that Cowell oversees, like American Idol, The X-Factor, and America’s Got Talent. The singer-songwriter said, “I’m not a fan of talent shows. I probably wouldn’t have lasted if I’d gone on one. I was asked to judge American Idol. I couldn’t do it because I won’t slag anyone off. Also I don’t want to be on television. It’s become boring, a**e-paralysingly brain crippling.” Per Marie Claire, a year later, John went a step further saying that “reality has killed talent,” before asking, “Can any X-Factor people cut the mustard?”

Simon Cowell responded to John’s criticisms in an interview with Piers Morgan in 2011, arguing that musicians who criticize talent competition shows don’t do enough to nurture up-and-coming talent on their own: “They always bleat on that we’re not giving other people a chance. And I always want to say to them, ‘I tell you what, you just made a million dollars off your last private gig. Go and give it to a bunch of young musicians you care about, put them in the studio. Go and nurture them. Go and spend some time looking after them. Then I’ll buy your argument.’ They’re only worried about themselves.”

Suffice it to say, it doesn’t seem like this ideological bridge between John and Cowell will be gapped anytime soon. However, whether people agree with his opinions about the music industry or not, there’s no denying that Elton John has certainly earned the right to say and stand by them as much as he likes.