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Simon Cowell Credits Son for Making Him a More Empathetic Judge

Simon Cowell/Instagram

Simon Cowell Credits Son for Making Him a More Empathetic Judge

By Movieguide® Staff

Simon Cowell rose to prominence in the United States as a brutal judge on the AMERICAN IDOL stage. Now, his harsh words have made their way to AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, as audiences often “boo” his scathing critiques.

Except … many of the critiques in recent years haven’t been as vitriolic as his reputation suggests.

“We do ask people in the breaks if they’d like to sing a song and I was literally just coming back in and I heard this voice, thinking, ‘Who…is that?’” Cowell said of Madison Baez Taylor’s audition. “And then I see this little thing in the audience and it’s you.”

Though Taylor was ultimately eliminated, Cowell’s encouragement remained.

He also told 9-year-old Victory Brinker that she could become the face of opera.

“I think [Victory] is a genuine, genuine star. I can see her making records, concerts, movies, everything. She’s got something special about her. She is incredibly talented. She was fantastic on the audition show but she was outstanding tonight,” Cowell said.

In a previous season, Cowell was brought to tears by the vocals and original song performed by Nightbirde.

When she was forced to step back from the competition to focus on her health, Cowell said, “Hello Jane. We’ve spoken a few times and you made the decision [to step away from AGT] rightly so, so that your health is your priority right now and I know that the last time we spoke you actually said you feel like you let people down. Well I just want to say on behalf of all of us you haven’t let anyone down.

“Even though you haven’t competed you’ve already won,” he added. “Your clip has had such an impact on so many people and your courage and who you are and the most important thing is your well-being in your health and your recovery and on behalf of all of us here we’re sending you our love our prayers and we can’t wait to see you again soon.”

Cowell credits his son for softening his heart and connecting more with the contestants he sees on stage.

“I have a son, I have much more empathy for the younger acts,” Cowell told Fox News.”The truth is you want everyone to succeed. I just get frustrated when people … don’t do well or make their own decision … It’s frustrating.”

The infamous judge says he really does want the contestants to succeed.

“You pray every year that you could find someone great, and they’re going to have a great career afterward. I have a feeling that’s going to happen to our artists tonight,” Cowell said.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.