Simon Cowell is known for his tough guy persona on reality television, especially during his run on American Idol. But an audition on the UK’s X Factor proved that deep down, Cowell is just a softie.
screenshot via YouTube video
Contestant Josh Daniel, a mechanic, sang Labrinth’s “Jealous,” which he dedicated to his best friend who died in 2013. It was so moving that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini got up and hugged him while crying, and the audience gave him a standing ovation.
As for Cowell, he was clearly touched by the performance because he was seen wiping a tear from his eye.
Hello reports that this audition was filmed right after the death of Cowell’s mother, Julie Cowell, in July, which could’ve led to Cowell being more emotional than he normally is.
Either way, you can’t deny what a spectacular job Daniel did. It goes without saying, he got three yes’s from the judges.