Simon Cowell Admits 'Mistakes' with Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle Suffers From Exhaustion After Loss
Copyright 2009 Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images
Simon Cowell opens up about the controversies surrounding Internet sensation Susan Boyle and acknowledges that circumstances after her No. 2 finish on "Britain's Got Talent" could have been handled better.

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 the Insider

Comments (35)

  • orLogin
  • susan sucks
    Anonymous 8/16/09 Reply
  • I LOVE YOU SUSAN AND WATCH YOUR TAPE ON BRITAINS GOT TALENT YOU AEE GREAT, MUCH LOVE MARIA ROBERTS
    Anonymous 8/12/09 Reply
  • I LOVE YOU SUSAN AND WATCH YOUR TAPE ON BRITAINS GOT TALENT YOU AEE GREAT, MUCH LOVE MARIA ROBERTS
    Anonymous 8/12/09 Reply
  • Dreaming a dream is easy. Living a dream is hard. It takes courage many people lack. Susan had courage. Never judge another's dream, unless you are courageous enough to follow your own. Do you dare to try?
    Anonymous 8/2/09 Reply
  • Why does everyone on this site appear to read and write on a third grade level?

    "Handle it well after all the stress that women went through please!"
    "She should have the competition and therefore not have to put up with losing."
    "She should of...
    Anonymous 7/26/09 Reply
  • It seems that the "harsh" image of Cowell is overshadowed by his refreshing honesty and compassion!
    Anonymous 7/23/09 Reply
  • I think Simon has it backwards. Susan wasn't used to winning. That's the part that was hard to handle. She just wanted to prove she was a good singer with the goal of being a professional singer. When she got more attention in several weeks than she...
    Anonymous 7/11/09 Reply
  • I have listened to Susan Boyle's tape on You Tube over and over again and am thrilled each time I hear it. I love her too Simon and am so happy she has someone like you to guide her. You've been wonderful - thank you.
    Anonymous 7/8/09 Reply
  • Simon, you may come across as arrogant,and mean, but all of that melts away when you see someone in need!
    Susan Boyle has an outstanding talent, bless her heart! But she does have personal issues which removes her from the "norm".

    She could have...
    Anonymous 6/29/09 Reply
    • I've also thought her disability could be Asperger's, as it can involve a savant like talent and general social awkwardness, shyness, and off the wall remarks. On the other hand, this is just raising a question, not trying to put a label on it or on...
      Anonymous 7/11/09
  • bull ****, only an absolute idiot wouyld think a shy middle aged woman would somehow cope with overnight fame. cowell knew that, and didn't care, because she brought in the ratings. she is not a musician, or songwriter.
    Anonymous 6/25/09 Reply
  • I want her to know she is a gift to us all I cry everytime I hear her sing she's beautiful inside and out and I hope she can rest up and come out with a cd and go on tour so we can continue to enjoy her gift Simon good job.
    Anonymous 6/25/09 Reply
  • Typical women, can't handle stress like the clearly superior being known as the male.
    Anonymous 6/25/09 Reply
  • everyone just loves susan because she's a retard
    Anonymous 6/25/09 Reply
  • If Susan never sang another note she has shown the world how a true singer can sing. She is unfargetable.
    Anonymous 6/24/09 Reply
  • simon i have even more respect for you now.....susan you still rock
    Anonymous 6/24/09 Reply
View More Comments
Write a Comment