While I don't watch the show I do see enough clips to keep up. The first season I really objected to it because I thought (and still do) that at that time kids maybe didn't know what they were getting into and that bothered me. Now that they know, and still go willingly, that's a different story. Now I think it's alternately ridiculous and hilarious. lol.
What I still would rather see is a genuine talent show each week, but that's thought too quaint these days. I bet you'll see one again eventually though.
Cowell does have a great eye for what will sell, and that's what he is paid to do.