Simon Cowell has admitted he feels ashamed watching back Susan Boyle's 2009 audition on Britain's Got Talent, describing the judging panel's behaviour as 'awful' and 'horrible'. The music mogul reflected on the now-iconic moment during an appearance on Jamie East's Celebrity Trenches podcast, where he spoke candidly about the reaction from himself and fellow judges Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan before Susan began singing.
Audition That Changed Everything
Susan stunned viewers around the world when she walked onto the stage and delivered a powerful rendition of 'I Dreamed A Dream' from Les Miserables, instantly becoming one of the most memorable contestants in reality television history. However, looking back, Simon admitted the judges wrongly made assumptions about Susan before hearing her sing.
Podcast host Jamie East said: 'Her audition to look back on is just awful. No one in that audition bathed themselves in a nice light did they?' Simon agreed, replying: 'I look back and I just think, my God we look so awful, horrible. I actually don't think we look bad enough. I think we were even worse than that.'
He continued: 'And I said, we are awful! All of us. I mean that look that Piers gives me, I think out of all the looks I've ever remembered that might be the worst. I was just as bad.'
A Wake-Up Call for the Judges
Simon also admitted the moment became 'a bit of a wake up call' for the judging panel. 'Of course I had the ability to cut all of that stuff out but it was a bit of a wake up call. You can't judge a book by its cover,' he explained. 'We do look disgusting but you have to hold your hands up at that moment and go, a lot of people are going to realise in about 24 hours that we are just horrible.'
Susan's Perspective on the Experience
Susan previously opened up about how painful the experience initially felt, admitting she struggled with the public reaction to her appearance before she performed. Speaking to the Irish Mirror in a past interview, the singer said: 'It felt quite suffocating, almost as though I was an act in a freak show, and that hurt.' She added: 'It was incredibly difficult to come to terms with for a time, but the positives have far outweighed the negatives.'
Susan also recalled feeling judged over her appearance and clothing during the audition process. 'Everyone was laughing at me; they wondered who this daft woman with the crazy hair was... and I had made a bad choice in clothes, so no-one had high expectations,' she said.
From Audition to Global Stardom
Despite the difficult start, Susan quickly became a global sensation after her audition aired, with millions of viewers praising her vocal talent and rallying behind her. She went on to finish runner-up in the 2009 series of Britain's Got Talent, but her career exploded after the show, leading to international tours, bestselling albums and worldwide fame. Since then, Susan has built an estimated £30 million fortune through music releases, television appearances and live performances.
Over the past few years, the singer has also embraced a fresh new image, sharing glamorous social media updates and posting photos with famous faces including Elton John, Peter Kay and Lionel Richie. Her online presence has become more playful in recent months, with fans seeing everything from throwback childhood photos to casual snaps in Oasis-inspired outfits and updates promoting her 'Subo' merchandise range. Susan has remained closely connected to fans through social media, where she regularly shares updates about her music, charity work and personal life.
Renewed Discussion on Reality TV Treatment
Simon's comments have prompted fresh discussion online about how reality TV contestants were treated during earlier talent show eras, with many viewers revisiting Susan's audition more than 15 years later. One commented on the now infamous 2009 video: 'Her walking off is so symbolic. I proved my point, I don't need your approval. Bye.'
