“I think it's someone I can identify with more, as a musician, who is truly talented versus the unknowns.”

— Chris Ruth, paramedic, Kansas City, Kan.

“Without Simon, I think that this year will be the last season.”

— Michelle Lindsey, business owner, Kansas City, Kan.

“I think Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are perfect to pick out the future pop stars.”

— Dawn Webster, customer service representative, Buffalo, N.Y.

“I think if you get a quality group of people together that has a strong musical knowledge, diverse in both sex and race, it's the best thing that could happen.”

— Nicholas Ward, gleaner, Sioux Falls, S.D.