Simon Cowell took part in a panel discussion about “American Idol” at the Museum of Television & Radio event on Friday and took the time to target his sharp tongue on new Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and Idol winner Taylor Hicks.

“Jennifer Hudson said American Idol was a ’stepping stone’ for her. Stepping stone? It was her big opportunity to become noticed and she got noticed and she got Dreamgirls,” Cowell said, noting that other past contestants “deliberately turn against the show that made them successful. The reason (people) come on the show is because all the doors had been slammed in their face.”

“They (Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson) loved him. I couldn’t stand him. I didn’t get it,” Cowell snapped, adding that “at the end of the day you have to find a bona fide recording artist. Just because you win the show doesn’t mean you will sell a lot of records. Chris (Daughtry) is the one who sold the albums, not Taylor.”

The Idol judge says Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino were standouts from the beginning – unlike season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who he says wasn’t a strong candidate until later in her season.

The “Idol” judges attended the event right after Thursday’s elimination show – in which contestants Alaina Alexander, Leslie Hunt, Nicholas Pedro and AJ Tabaldo were voted off and tears were shed. Cowell questioned the sentiment. “Oh, please,” he drolled. “My theory is why would you cry if one of your competitors is kicked off? Be delighted. They know the cameras are on. Trust me.”