What Happened to Simon Cowells Voice? How Did Simon Cowell Lose His Voice? Why Did Simon Cowell Lose His Voice?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jun 28, 2023
What Happened to Simon Cowells Voice?
During the audition filming in March, it was revealed that Simon Cowell, the executive producer of America's Got Talent, temporarily lost his voice early into production. Fans witnessed this phenomenon during Season 18's fourth round of auditions when Cowell was unable to speak in the middle of the episode.
His fellow judges found great amusement in this situation, with Sofia Vergara taking charge of communicating for Cowell throughout the show. "Who would have thought that Season 18 would leave Simon literally speechless?" Vergara said to People. "And of course, Simon nominated me to give his reactions. He's passing notes to me like we are back in school."
Howie Mandel, the judge, and comedian expressed similar joy, saying, "There are no words to describe the excitement level of Season 18. That's why it's serendipitous that this is the season Simon lost his voice finally," jokingly remarking to the outlet.
In a hoarse whisper, Cowell cleverly responded, "I'm at a loss for words." Heidi Klum, another judge, shared her excitement about returning for Season 18, stating, "I am beyond excited to be back with my AGT family and find some new, exceptional talent. I can't wait to see what the contestants are going to bring to the stage this year." Host Terry Crews echoed her enthusiasm, saying, "Season 18 of America's Got Talent means AGT is all grown up! I'm so happy to be here for this milestone!"
Cowell, Klum, Mandel, and Crews recently concluded the first season of America's Got Talent: All-Stars, where previous acts from various Got Talent shows competed against each other for the ultimate title. Aerialist Aidan Bryant emerged as the winner of Season 1.
Cowell expressed his excitement in seeing many returning contestants in one grand spectacle, stating, "It was terrific, and it was really fascinating to see people who've competed on the American show and done really well, competing with people who won the show in other countries," in a 2022 interview with People. "The dynamic was fascinating... and what really was great and cool about the show was that so many people decided to come back and compete."
He further added, "From where we've started to where we are now, the quality of the acts is, at times, honestly breathtaking, and just to see how they've progressed. I think they're very inspirational.
And I think everyone needs that right now. We've met the most incredible people along the way, and that's a big reason why I love doing this show. That is what keeps me on the show. I love that part of it. I love that first audition when you see someone's true talent, and you go, 'Yeah, this is a moment.'"
How Did Simon Cowell Lose His Voice?
In a May 2023 interview with USA Today, Simon Cowell revealed that he had lost his voice while filming America's Got Talent due to something getting stuck in his throat. Cowell explained that the acid from his stomach had burned his vocal cords, and a doctor had to use a camera to assess the damage. As a result, Cowell was put on vocal rest and couldn't provide commentary during many early auditions.
Cowell expressed the frustration he felt, saying, "It was torture. There was so much I wanted to say, and I literally could not talk." He attempted alternative methods of communication, such as writing things down and using an iPad device with pre-recorded phrases. He even tried enlisting Sofia Vergara to translate for him, but she playfully provided incorrect translations, causing chaos.
During his voiceless period, Cowell had to listen to the other judges' opinions without being able to express his own. He found it interesting how each judge had developed their own preferences and they had more disagreements in a healthy way this season. Cowell acknowledged that judging the show required recognizing their individual areas of expertise due to the variety of acts.
Sofia Vergara and Howie Mandel, fellow judges on America's Got Talent, confirmed Cowell's voice loss in a March 2023 interview with People magazine. Vergara humorously remarked, "Who would have thought that Season 18 would have left Simon literally speechless?" She mentioned that Cowell nominated her to give his reactions, leading to a playful exchange of notes like they were back in school.
Mandel added to the humor, saying, "There are no words to describe the excitement level of Season 18. That's why it's serendipitous that this is the season Simon lost his voice finally." Cowell joined in on the joke, stating, "I'm at a loss for words."
Cowell's voice loss was also evident during the Season 16 finale of Britain's Got Talent, where he also serves as a judge. As he provided commentary on contestant Amy Lou's performance, his voice faltered, prompting hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly to adjust the show.
Amanda Holden remarked on Cowell's condition, exclaiming, "He's got something in his throat!" Cowell stood up and pointed to his throat after Lou's rendition of Christina Aguilera's "Reflection."
Why Did Simon Cowell Lose His Voice?
Simon Cowell experienced voice loss because of an obstruction in his throat. This obstruction caused the acid from his stomach to come into contact with his vocal cords, resulting in them being burned and damaged. The exact nature of the obstruction or what caused it to occur is not specified in the provided information.
However, this unfortunate incident left Cowell unable to speak and provide commentary during the filming of America's Got Talent. He had to undergo a medical examination, where a doctor inserted a camera through his nose and down his throat to assess the extent of the damage. It was during this examination that Cowell could see firsthand the severity of the burns on his vocal cords.
As a result, he was placed on vocal rest, which meant refraining from talking to allow his vocal cords to heal. This condition of voice loss caused frustration for Cowell, as he had many thoughts and opinions he wanted to express but was unable to.
Despite attempts to communicate through writing and using devices, such as an iPad with pre-recorded phrases, Cowell faced challenges in conveying his reactions. He even enlisted Sofia Vergara to translate for him, but her intentional misinterpretations added a touch of humor to the situation. Throughout this period, Cowell had to listen to his fellow judges' opinions without being able to contribute his own.
However, he found it intriguing how each judge had developed their own preferences and how this led to healthy disagreements among them. Despite the setback, Cowell's voice loss did not hinder the progress of the show, and the judging panel adapted accordingly.
Who is Simon Cowell?
Simon Phillip Cowell is a well-known English television personality, entrepreneur, and record executive. He is the sole owner and founder of Syco, a prominent British entertainment company, and is credited as the creator of popular franchises like The X Factor and Got Talent.
Cowell has served as a judge on several notable television talent competitions, including Pop Idol (2001-2003), The X Factor UK (2004-2010, 2014-2018), Britain's Got Talent (2007-present), American Idol (2002-2010), The X Factor US (2011-2013), and America's Got Talent (2016-present).
Having established himself as a record producer, talent scout, and consultant in the UK music industry during the 1980s and 1990s, Cowell rose to public prominence in 2001 when he became a judge on Pop Idol.
Together with Simon Fuller, the creator of the show, they successfully pitched the concept to Claudia Rosencrantz, the ITV Controller of Entertainment. This marked the beginning of Cowell's journey in creating and hosting talent television shows. The X Factor was launched in 2004, followed by Got Talent in 2006, both of which have become internationally renowned franchises.
Cowell is known for his direct and often controversial comments as a television music and talent show judge. He is notorious for his sharp insults and witty remarks about contestants and their singing abilities.
His expertise spans both the television and music industries. Cowell has produced and promoted numerous successful singles and albums for artists he has discovered and mentored, including acts like Little Mix, James Arthur, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Fifth Harmony, Il Divo, Olly Murs, Noah Cyrus, Cher Lloyd, Fleur East, Ella Henderson, and Susan Boyle. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of successful boy bands such as Westlife, One Direction, PrettyMuch, and CNCO.
What Happened to Simon Cowells Voice-FAQs
Simon Cowell lost his voice due to an obstruction in his throat, which caused his vocal cords to become burned and damaged by stomach acid.
Simon Cowell's voice loss impacted his ability to provide commentary during the early auditions of America's Got Talent. He had to rely on alternative methods of communication, such as writing and using pre-recorded phrases on an iPad device. Sofia Vergara also assisted in translating his reactions, albeit playfully.
Yes, Simon Cowell was able to recover his voice after being put on vocal rest and allowing his vocal cords time to heal. The exact duration of his recovery period is not specified in the provided information.
Simon Cowell's voice loss allowed him to focus more on listening to the opinions of his fellow judges and observing the contestants' performances. It led to healthy disagreements and discussions among the judging panel, as they all had their individual preferences and expertise.
Simon Phillip Cowell, born on October 7, 1959, is a well-known English television personality, entrepreneur, and record executive.