Cowell downplays ban of 'Idol' father

LOS ANGELES, May 10 (UPI) -- "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell says contestant David Archuleta's father may no longer be backstage at the U.S. TV series, but he can be in the audience.

Cowell said Jeff Archuleta, who has earned some notoriety for apparently pushing his son in music competitions, is "banned from being in the rooms where David was learning or rehearsing his songs," TMZ.com said Saturday.

Despite reports of Archuleta yelling at his son during the competitive process, Cowell said the elder Archuleta is still welcome to sit with the audience when David performs on the telecast.