'Idol's' Fuller & Tyler judge Simon Cowell

It all seems like a case of sour grapes to us, but it looks as if "American Idol" executive producer Simon Fuller has declared open season on former judge Simon Cowell. In an interview with Britain's "Daily Mirror," Fuller said "Idol" has "lost the negativity" and that "the addition of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, real stars who also shared that dream, has brought a new level of understanding and empathy to the show."

Fuller also said that "all the producers, editors and crew have taken a new pride in the show. Each person focused on making everything they do better" and that "Idol's" new mentor, Jimmy Iovine, is "probably the world's most brilliant music executive and producer."

Adding insult to injury, the Mirror says that new judge Tyler subsequently claimed the show has improved since Cowell's departure. "I think one of the biggest problems was, Simon hurt people," Tyler said. "His comments were nasty. It was too much. I've tried to be myself and be different to Simon. If people like it, then that's great," adding, "the show is brilliant. Everything about it works - and without Simon."

Tyler also said he thought that "Idol" could trump Cowell's upcoming Fox series, "The X Factor."

So what was Cowell's response? In true "Judge Dread" style, Cowell feigned hurt when asked about Tyler's comments by USA Today: "Poor Simon," he demurred, then reverting to form said, "I couldn't care less." And when he was read Fuller's remarks, Cowell responded, "Am I bothered?" in a way that made it clear he wasn't.