Simon Cowell’s entrance into Jennifer Hudson’s daytime show has made quite the internet dent.
The former X Factor judge, 65, made the rare chatshow appearance last night and made a memorable entrance, as is tradition for guests of the Jennifer Hudson Show.
Jennifer, who found fame under Simon’s critical eye on American Idol 21 years ago, has all her guests walk into the studio through the ‘Spirit Tunnel’ where they jive, clap and dance into the show.
When it was his turn, Simon delivered a curious clapping style as he grinned and shuffled onto set, leaving many comparing it to the clap of a ‘seal’ or a ‘T-rex’ and some even expressing concern for the TV star.
‘I can’t stop watching this. I am so mesmerised by his peculiarity,’ said @MISSINGOUTLIVE.
‘Why’s bro clapping like that,’ added @Btchbug, while @tomiwebstr said, ‘Something feels weird but I just can’t put my finger on it.’
‘Why is he clapping like that?’ asked many viewers, while @ClemoFrank and others asked: ‘Is he okay!?’
While some suspected Simon was simply feeling awkward about the ritual, once on the show the music mogul said he ‘loved’ the moment.
‘I loved that. I absolutely loved it. When they told me the idea, it’s like the best way of coming on a show I’ve ever done in my life. Do you mind if I steal it for AGT (America’s Got Talent)?’ he said.
‘I want to do it twice. I want to do it on the way back.’
Other fans, however, expressed concerned about Simon’s physicality after he endured two almost-fatal e-bike accidents in 2020 and 2022.
‘People being insensitive when he’s been in two accidents,’ said @m0onhugs to those mocking the star for his clapping.
In August 2020, Simon fell off an electric bike he was testing at his house in Malibu and underwent six hours of surgery, which involved having a metal rod put in his back.
He was a millimetre away from being paralysed, and two years later Simon suffered another crash which he was ‘lucky’ to have survived.
Elsewhere on the show, when asked about his Mount Rushmore of singers, Simon listed Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Mariah Carey as his ultimate talents.
Simon – who was The Jennifer Hudson Show’s first guest in 2022 – also admitted to being ‘starstruck’ by the host, years on from telling Jennifer she was ‘out of her depth’ while being evicted from American Idol in 2004.
Talking to Jennifer on the show, Simon also talked about the changing music industry.
‘No one ever wanted to be a one hit wonder, but now everyone wants to be a one hit wonder. Everyone’s posting these gimmick songs,’ he said.
‘You get a lot of money for one record. I was in the business of developing careers. Maybe it’s because there are so many people trying to get signed.’
Talking about what it takes to spot a winner, Simon said: ‘I think if you’ve got that star glow and perseverence, the world is always looking for someone like that. But they’re like diamonds.’
As he congratulated Jennifer on holding all of these qualities, the Dreamgirls star said: ‘I always say, my passion is bigger than my fear.’
Despite his serious bike crashes, Simon – now proud dad to 11-year-old Eric – still enjoys cycling frequently, having been spotted pedaling in London during a heatwave this summer.
Simon was determined to get back in the saddle.
Speaking to ex Terri Seymour on ExtraTV, Simon said: ‘My most creative time is now when I cycle, because I cycle even though it’s an e-bike. I still got to pedal and I do about ten miles a day, even though I had an accident on one.
‘That was more an electric motorbike, these are called pedal-assist bikes and they’re brilliant.’
He also didn’t lack confidence when it came to riding a bike for the first time again.
‘That expression “get back on your bike,” with me, it was literal. I feel better than I did because I exercise so much more,’ Simon confessed.
‘Honestly, if I could rewind, I would have gone through the whole thing again. Just because I feel better now. Yeah, even though it hurt like hell at the time.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
