Simon Cowell, along with his Britain’s Got Talent co-stars Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan, has admitted to the “awful and horrible” behavior displayed towards Susan Boyle during her now-iconic audition on the show back in 2009. Reflecting on the moment in a candid interview, Simon confessed that the judges’ initial reactions were deeply regrettable, especially given how Susan went on to stun the world with her powerhouse performance of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables.
At the time of Susan’s audition, her appearance, coupled with her modest demeanor, led to skepticism from the judges, who exchanged doubtful glances before she even began to sing. Simon, 66, now looks back on the incident with a sense of shame. Speaking on the Tales From the Celebrity Trenches podcast, he shared, “I look back and I just think, ‘my God, we look so awful, horrible.’” Simon expressed regret over their initial judgment, calling it a “wake-up call” for the panel.
Susan, now 65, stunned the BGT audience and judges alike with her vocal talent, transforming overnight from an underestimated contestant to a global sensation. But before she performed, Simon, Piers, and Amanda exchanged looks that now seem harsh in hindsight. Simon continued, “I actually don’t think we looked bad enough. I think we were even worse than that. And I said, ‘we are awful!’ All of us. I mean, that look that Piers gives me, out of all the looks I’ve ever remembered, that might be the worst.”
The incident has since been a topic of reflection for Simon, who acknowledged that the experience taught him a valuable lesson in not judging a book by its cover. He further admitted that while the footage of their reactions was difficult to watch, it was an essential learning moment. “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” Simon said, adding, “A lot of people are going to realize in about 24 hours that we are just horrible.”
Susan Boyle, who finished as the runner-up in the 2009 season of Britain’s Got Talent, previously opened up about how she felt during the audition, describing the experience as “suffocating” and likening it to being treated like an “act in a freak show.” In a 2019 interview with The Irish Mirror, she revealed that she felt humiliated as people laughed at her appearance before the performance.
However, her audition became a pivotal moment in television history. When Susan finally sang, she delivered a voice that left everyone in awe, immediately shutting down all doubters. As Simon Cowell and the rest of the panel sat speechless, Susan proved them all wrong, becoming one of the most memorable and beloved figures in the show’s history.
In the years since, Susan has enjoyed an extraordinary career, including 23 million album sales, numerous hit records, and worldwide recognition. She has amassed a fortune estimated at £30 million, and in 2023, she returned to Britain’s Got Talent to a heartfelt reunion with Simon. Susan’s success story continues to inspire, especially after overcoming the initial challenges of public scrutiny and judgment.
Beyond her music career, Susan has undergone a significant transformation. She recently moved from the modest council house she grew up in to a new, glamorous home closer to her manager. Her “glow-up” makeover, which includes a new blonde hairstyle and a refreshed image, coincides with her increased presence on social media. Susan has gained a growing following, with 178,000 followers on Instagram, where she posts pictures with celebrities such as Elton John, Lionel Richie, and Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell.
Susan has also begun to embrace her playful side on social media, sharing childhood photos and fun snaps of herself in casual outfits, such as a bucket hat and an Oasis T-shirt. She’s even started promoting her own merchandise, with a range of clothing and accessories priced between £13 and £50.
Despite the initial harsh judgment from the BGT panel, Susan Boyle’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and ultimate triumph. As Simon Cowell and his co-judges have come to terms with their actions, Susan has proven that with talent, perseverance, and a willingness to rise above adversity, anyone can overcome the odds.
