"Oversexed Youth" Idol?

Watching American Idol last night, I was amazed by the amount of styled youngsters there were. It seemed that the Top 12 guys consisted of old crooners (by old, I mean 25), rockers, and "gay" 17-year-old theatre kids. All the kids performed with this youthful charisma and really took control of the stage. But then when it came time for judging, Simon always had something to say about how they should focus more on their vocals and less on their hair. Yet they were giving the best performances of the night.

Finally, with the last kid, Garrett Haley, who was sporting a "do" much like Paula Abdul's but curlier, Simon made a very controversial comment - at least in my mind. Simon said..."It looks like you've been shut up in your bedroom for about a month. You look verging on haunted you know. You're pale..."

What was up with that? These are teenagers on American Idol performing in front of the country. They are being judged by everyone and frankly, they all looked great. I mean, Garrett Haley was sporting a little mustache that was reminiscent of middle school when all the boys just hit puberty. But was it okay for Simon to acknowledge his look like that? Is this not a singing competition? I didn't like his performance at all but it was better than some of the shit the older guys did.

I find it highly inappropriate to tell a child that he basically looks ugly and gross because of a lighter skin tone and evidence of pubescent facial hair. These are children. The kid is only 17.

Thoughts?