He can’t make the round trip to be there in west London in person because of his commitments to the US version of the show, but will watch the show live in his LA home tomorrow and will comment either on the performances or at the end of the show.
Cowell has watched as the show has struggled this year, losing out in the Saturday night prime time ratings war with the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and enduring controversies that have continued to follow the show this season.
Former contestant Frankie Cocosa was fired for inappropriate behaviour resulting in the reinstatement of previously-ditched Amelia Lily; a power cut forced the show’s broadcast on Nov 12 to be delayed, sparking all manner of conspiracy theories about acts refusing to perform; and rumours of off-screen bullying have also circled the under-fire production.
A source in LA has told The Daily Mail: “Simon has stayed abreast of the show from America and has continued to have daily conference calls with his staff in the UK.
“He didn’t want to appear in the early weeks because he needed to concentrate on his day job. There was no point in him overshadowing Gary Barlow and the other judges.”
The grand final will see Little Mix, Marcus Collins and Amelia Lily battle it out to be crowned champ and have a shot at being this Christmas’ number one. Coldplay, Westlife and Leona Lewis will be performing at the show which will be broadcast this Saturday and Sunday.
