Simon Cowell admits to softening as a TV judge

Simon Cowell thinks he's become soft as a talent-show judge.

The 65-year-old music mogul has starred on a variety of TV talent shows - including The X Factor and America's Got Talent - for more than 20 years, and Simon admits that he's become less harsh on the contestants in recent times.

Asked if he's grown soft, Simon told Us Weekly: "I probably have. I would say also that the acts got better, to be fair.

"I mean, when we were first doing this, some of the acts that we saw were just terrible, and I don’t know if I’d say it quite the same way, but I would certainly say to them if they were as bad again, ‘You’re terrible.’ I can’t lie to people."

Simon has been impressed by the level of talent on the latest season of America's Got Talent.

He explained: "We are very fortunate that we make a show that makes people feel good. That’s probably why it’s been on for as long as it has. It’s about everyone getting along great."

Meanwhile, Simon is set to star in a new reality show for Netflix.

The music executive has joined forces with the streaming giant to create Simon Cowell: The Next Act, a docu-series that will launch in December.

The logline for the show reads: "What Simon says, goes. And what Simon’s saying right now is that the world is in serious need of its next boy band sensation.

"Music mogul and record executive Simon Cowell has single-handedly created some of the biggest music superstars in the world. In the brand-new docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act, launching in Dec. 2025, cameras follow him as he sets out to do it once again. From raw open casting calls to the release of the group’s debut single, this is an all-access pass for viewers to catch every moment of Cowell’s next chapter. Will he strike gold and break industry records once again?"

The docu-series promises to give viewers an "intimate" look at Simon's approach to business.

The logline continues: "Since 2001, he has appeared as a judge on several music reality competition series including Pop Idol, American Idol, The X Factor and The X Factor UK, Britain’s Got Talent, and America’s Got Talent. On these shows, he became infamous for his snarky remarks and harsh critiques. Now, however, viewers will get an even more intimate look at Cowell’s process and unparalleled ability to identify and foster talent."