I really hate to admit this, but I watch…

No, I can’t do it.

Well, we’re already here, so why not: I watch American Idol. But I watch it only for the articles.

Actually, as far as train-wreck television goes, it’s pretty good. And my involvement in the music industry really fueled my initial interest, but the talent contest (and I use that phrase generously) has all the elements that make up great television. (And that’s coming from someone who hates network and much of cable television programming.)

I’m also happy to announce I am a fan of Simon Cowell. The guy knows the music business, knows a hit, and knows how to surround himself with people to make good television. And now he’s taking the show to Vegas.

Wannabe singing stars on “American Idol” have been known to cringe whenever judge Simon Cowell speaks. Would-be magicians and other Las Vegas-style entertainers could soon become just as nervous if the acid-tongued Cowell finds a judge as outspoken as himself for a new talent competition.

Cowell will create a show for NBC that allows viewers to ultimately decide which performer is rewarded with a headline spot in a Las Vegas show, NBC announced Thursday.

Cowell will executive produce the program but leave the judging to someone else this time.

“Personally, I hope to find the next Siegfried and Roy,” Cowell said of the magicians who were a Las Vegas mainstay for decades.

You don’t have to win in order to benefit. In fact, just auditioning could (not always, but could) provide you with valuable advice just for asking. And actually competing puts you in a professional world on someone else’s dime.

The show starts in the summer. I’m glad I have a Microsoft Media Center Edition computer set up. (Microsoft’s MCE is sort of like a Tivo, except much better. You know, because it’s Microsoft.) Until now I’ve used it exclusively for recording the History Channel and my two favorite soap operas: C-SPAN and C-SPAN 2. No, really.

(Thanks to my friend Venomous Kate for the link!)