Is X Factor Judge L.A. Reid TOO Mean?

At least we know L.A. Reid is honest!

During Judges’ round tryouts for X Factor U.S. on Sunday in El Lay, things were tense in the room, especially after Simon Cowell gave the audience the OK to “express their opinions about the auditioners”:

“The idea is we’re trying to find a superstar…And you’re our fifth judge. Basically you’re here to tell us who you like. You can be as badly behaved as you want, actually. The whole reason for doing this is I trust you guys for being able to judge this process. There’s $5 million at stake.”

There was plenty of booing, but perhaps even more harsh were L.A. Reid’s comments for auditioners. Here’s what he had to say to one woman who was not well-liked by the audience:

“When was the last time you performed? Eighteen years ago? Whatever made you stop then, you should’ve stuck with that decision.”

And here was Simon Cowell’s less intense response to the same woman:

“It’s very brave, and I don’t mean this disrespectfully, but you’re someone who should be singing at home.”

As auditions continued, the audience was asked to refrain from booing. Perhaps they felt Reid’s comments were brutal enough…

What do U think about L.A. Reid’s comments Vs. Simon? Is Reid more mean than Cowell?

[Images via WENN.]