Simon Cowell, renowned for his incisive comments and sharp wit, took viewers by surprise with his unusually quiet demeanor during season 18 of America’s Got Talent. While Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel engaged actively in discussions about the auditions, Simon remained notably silent. This silence, however, was not due to a lack of interest.
Medical Issue Behind the Silence
In a revealing interview with USA Today, Simon disclosed that his quietness was the result of a medical issue. He explained that acid reflux had severely damaged his vocal cords. “I think what happened was that the acid from my stomach burned my vocal cords. So, a doctor inserted a camera up my nose and down my throat, and I could witness the extent of the damage,” Simon revealed.
Simon further elaborated, “There was so much I wanted to say about the auditions, but I literally couldn’t talk. We tried writing things down, and I used to rely on my iPad tablet to store my thoughts. I even attempted to have Sofia interpret for me, but she intentionally said the wrong things, making it all chaotic.”
A New Perspective
Despite the challenges, Simon noted that his forced silence offered him a new perspective. “I had to sit there and listen to the other judges,” he reflected. “It was fascinating because each one of them has developed their own preferences. As a result, we disagreed more this year, but in a positive way. Evaluating the show’s variety of acts made me realize that you can’t be an expert on everything.”
Reflection on Health and Fitness
Simon has faced several health issues in recent years, including two bike accidents. In a May interview on The Today Show, he discussed how these accidents impacted his life. “It was painful, it wasn’t great,” Simon admitted. “But I was so unfit before the accidents that it was worth it. It made me realize how out of shape I was. I truly believe that things like these happen for a reason.”
Continuing with Passion
Despite these setbacks, Simon remains committed to his passion for cycling. “I’m still going to stay on my bike; I’m obsessed with these things,” he stated. His co-stars expressed their support for his continued dedication to biking, pleased to see his determination despite the challenges he has faced.
