Simon Cowell Admits 'Mistakes' with Susan Boyle

In an editorial written for Britain's Daily Mail, Cowell says: "Looking back on it all, it has become clear to me that we didn't handle the situation with Susan as well as we could have." "I suddenly realised she didn't know how to cope with losing. We didn't handle it well."

Cowell -- who serves as a judge on the British talent competition -- says in the beginning he felt like Boyle was handling the attention and accolades well. "She seemed fine with all the attention. … I thought perhaps naively that she was in control." But he goes on to say that it later became apparent that Boyle "didn't know how to cope with losing."

"During the final show, at the crucial point when the dance group Diversity won, I looked over at her face and thought: 'Christ, she doesn't know how to deal with not winning.' It was a bad moment. Afterwards, I went over and gave her a hug and tried to reassure her," Cowell writes.

Cowell says the despite Boyle's hospitalization following the "Britain's Got Talent" finale and absences from several scheduled shows during her current U.K. tour, he still believes in her talent. "When she does perform I am thrilled by the reception she gets. Suffice it to say that whatever happens in the weeks ahead, I will continue to support her."

Published 6/21/09 by