The Quotable Simon Cowell: Season 6; Top 12

Opening remarks: "This stage changes everybody, Ryan. It's a whole new ballgame." ...and Melinda and Lakisha are still hitting Grand Slam homers every time.

To Brandon: "You came over, if you don't mind me saying, as a background singer for a background singer." Mind? Gee, Si, why would anyone mind?

Exchange with Seacrest after Melinda complains about having to wear high heels on stage:

Ryan: "Simon, any advice about the high heels?"

Simon: "You should know, Ryan."

Ryan: "Stay out of my closet."

Simon: "Come out."

Ryan: "This is about the Top 12, not your wishes."

Seems to me that Seacrest got the better of that exchange.

To Melinda: "You remind of a young Gladys Knight."

To Chris Sligh: "I would keep your glasses on because I think it's you." Plus your eyes get all squinty and that's just not attractive at all, not to mention a bit creepy.

To Sanjaya: "When you hear a wail in Beverly Hills, that is where Diana Ross is watching this. She's gonna freak when she hears this.....The only similarity is the hairstyle." Oddly, the female judge is the only one who doesn't seem obscessed with the kid's hair.

To Chris Richardson: "Remembering that this is a singing competition, take you out the equation with your charm and personality. Listen to the vocal. I thought it was dreadful."