Simon Cowell is back where he belongs on the Britain's Got Talent judging panel.
The 62-year-old seems to have gone soft in recent years, even breaking down in tears during one episode of the US version - America's Got Talent. In recent weeks, he also gushed as he gave his "Golden Buzzer" to comedian Axel Blake.
Simon said the competition "needed acts like him" after a difficult couple of years in the pandemic. He also said he "loved [the act] instantly" and that pressing the buzzer is "the best feeling".
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Now a father, Mr Cowell has definitely mellowed in recent years. Those who saw the music mogul in his early X Factor days will know he used to be the toughest judge on TV.
Once upon a time, it seemed his every sentence began "I don't mean to be rude, but..." and he didn't hold back as he dropped some savage insults on acts he didn't see as talented. At one point, Mr Cowell was infamous for crushing people's dreams.
One aspiring singer was told they'd "just invented a new form of torture". Another was told by Simon: "If you had lived 2,000 years ago and sung like that, I think they would have stoned you."
In an interview with People Magazine in 2016, Simon said settling into a family life with future wife Lauren Silverman and their son Eric has given him a softer sensibility when it comes to interacting with contestants. He said: "There’s no question when you actually have a kid, it does make you feel different because you understand how you would feel if it was your son up there.”
He also added: “I think X Factor and Idol were edited so that I was always seen as this bad-tempered, miserable whatever – which of course I am at times, but I’m not like that the whole day."
Britain's Got Talent airs Saturday at 8pm on ITV and the ITV Hub
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