Simon Cowell has said he “absolutely loved” taking part in The Jennifer Hudson Show’s famous “spirit tunnel” entrance, though viewers at home were far more distracted by his unusual clapping style.
The 65-year-old music boss walked through a corridor of singing crew members belting out The Greatest Showman while he clapped along. His movements, with fingers folding inward and arms held stiffly at his sides, sparked a flurry of jokes once the clip was shared online.
“New clap style unlocked,” one viewer posted on X, formerly Twitter. Others asked: “Is this his first time clapping?” and “Why are his arms stuck to his body?”
Another fan compared him to “an AI deepfake of himself”, while one quipped: “Simon blink twice if you need help.”
Cowell himself seemed delighted in the moment. Reaching the end of the tunnel, he laughed: “Can I do that again?”
Later, host Hudson asked if he enjoyed it. He replied: “I absolutely loved that. When they told me about it, it is seriously the best way of coming onto a show. Do you mind if I steal it for AGT?” Hudson said she would happily lend the idea, prompting Cowell to joke: “I want to do it twice – I might do it on the way back.”
Away from the studio, the Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent judge has been making headlines for his health kick and noticeably slimmed down physique.
Earlier this month he was photographed arriving at the AGT set in Pasadena carrying his workout equipment, including “Perfect Push-Up” handles.
Cowell has totally overhauled his lifestyle since breaking his back in an electric bike crash in 2020. He now does around 100 press-ups a day and has shed more than three stone after doctors warned he had “the worst diet” they had ever seen.
The legendary talent show judge cut out pies, red meat, dairy, sugar and gluten, and says he prefers simple meals like beans on toast.
“No, I haven’t had a gastric band – wouldn’t there be scars?” he once told The Sun, insisting his slimmed-down frame is all down to diet and exercise.
