Cowell’s Show May Ban Songs

Simon Cowell bans songs from 'X Factor': The former "Idol" judge reportedly says that certain pop tunes aren't welcome on the British talent show.

Simon Cowell's Blacklist: Songs Reportedly Banned From 'X Factor': The past nine "American Idol" seasons have been filled with enough versions of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" to make even rumored prospective "Idol" judge Steven Tyler blanch. But on Simon Cowell's U.K. talent show "The X Factor," which starts airing in Britain on August 21, there are a few other oversung songs that contestants will be reportedly forbidden to perform. British paper News Of The World reports that Simon is concerned that viewers will be bored if the songs remain the same on "The X Factor," so he has advised contestants not to perform typical reality standards. A source told the paper: "This is about people's real honesty and personality. It's about them and their stage presence."

The list of Simon's banned songs includes:
Kings Of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"
Paolo Nutini - "Last Request"
Paolo Nutini - "New Shoes"
Eva Cassidy - "Songbird"
Snow Patrol - "Chasing Cars"
So, will these songs be banned from "The X Factor U.S." when it premieres in fall 2011? That remains to be seen (Paulo and Eva aren't exactly household names Stateside), but regardless, I think Simon left quite a few egregious offenders off the list. Reality Rocks' blacklist is as follows:
Phil Collins - "Against All Odds"
Bill Withers - "Ain't No Sunshine"
Jennifer Holliday - "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going"
Elton John - "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"
Nina Simone - "Feeling Good"
Leonard Cohen - "Hallelujah"
R. Kelly - "I Believe I Can Fly"
Gavin DeGraw - "I Don't Want To Be"
Aerosmith - "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing"
John Lennon - "Imagine"
Seal - "Kiss From A Rose"
The Beatles - "Let It Be"
Janis Joplin - "Piece Of My Heart"
Judy Garland - "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"
The Righteous Brothers - "Unchained Melody"
Which songs would you never want to hear on "American Idol," "The X Factor," or any other talent show ever again?