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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Simon Cowell admits Camila Cabello 'wasn't supposed to audition' for X Factor

Simon Cowell has confessed Camila Cabello almost missed her big break on the X Factor before he stepped in to grant her an audition.

The singer, 25, became a huge success after becoming part of Fifth Harmony on the US version of the talent show in 2012. She split from the band four years later after three albums and forged an impressive solo career. Her biggest hits include Havana and Senorita.

However, it could have all been so different if she didn't have a chance meeting with music mogul Simon, 62, backstage on the X Factor set. He has opened up on how he spotted her crying and offered her the chance to perform after she believed she had missed out.

Camila Cabello found fame on the X Factor (Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

Speaking to Extra, Simon said: " She wasn't really supposed to audition. I happened to go backstage, and I saw her crying, asked her why she was crying, and she said, you know, it was too late for her to audition because she was a reserve, whatever that meant.

"I said to her, 'Well, I'm one of the producers, you just got an audition.'"

The rest, as they say, as history and Simon says it's moments like that which inspire him to keep creating stars.

He continued: "When those moments work, and seeing Camila today or Harry Styles, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, there's been so many times luckily where I've been there at that moment where their career is going to go in a completely different direction.

Simon Cowell discussed Camila Cabello's first X Factor audition (NBC)
Camila Cabello performed at the 2022 UEFA Champions League final in May (DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

"If we didn't have those things happen, then there'd be no point making the shows."

Simon also discussed the first time he spotted the potential for Harry Styles before placing him into One Direction on the show. "I remember his audition like it was yesterday," he said.

"He was very charming, he was very confident, he was very funny, and I liked him. I just thought there's something … special about him. You never forget those moments, and, like I said, genuinely if we weren't making people's careers successful, I would never be making these shows today."

Harry Styles formed part of One Direction (PA)

Harry has also been helping people's dreams come true lately and helped on super fan propose to his girlfriend. The Watermelon Sugar singer stopped his concert in Lisbon earlier this month so one of his fans could propose to his girlfriend in the crowd there and then.

During his Love On Tour shows, Harry has been dedicating a segment of the show to creating a special moment for his fans.

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