Simon Cowell Admits Watching THAT Crying Scene On X Factor Was ‘Very Raw’

There was a national shortage of Kleenex last Sunday, as viewers watched Simon Cowell break down in tears after watching a particularly emotional performance from contestant Josh Daniels – just a few days after the X Factor judge’s mother had passed away.

Sending all the hugs to Simon. Copyright: [ITV]

And now, after watching the footage back himself, Simon has admitted that it was ‘very raw’ to have to experience it again.

Simon – along with fellow judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini – was reduced to tears after Josh performed 'Jealous’ by Labrinth in memory of his best friend, who’d passed away two years previously.

Speaking to The Sun, Simon said:

“Of course, it brought it all back. It is a very difficult thing to know what to do. The contestant didn’t know the situation. He wasn’t doing it to make me upset. He sang the song for his own reasons.“

Josh had us in bits. Copyright: [ITV]

“It was more important that he did a good audition. But it was very raw and it did take me back to the moment, but I think in quite a healthy way. Being upset is a human thing.”

Oh, come here and give us a hug, Si :(

Viewers saw Simon unable to speak after Josh’s performance and witnessed fellow judges Cheryl and Grimmy express concern as he walked off on his own.

Julie Cowell was 89 when she passed away after nine months of illness, which came after she suffered a stroke earlier in the year.

OH GOD IT’S ALL TOO EMOSH. Copyright: [ITV]

X Factor producers delayed filming for two days, as well as cancelling a further day to allow the head-judge to attend his mum’s funeral.

Simon said: “It wasn’t like my father’s death, which was a huge shock. I had my time with my mum to say goodbye. The biggest regret you’d ever have is not to have the chance to say how you feel about someone. Not that there’s ever a good time for it to happen, and it is still all a bit raw.”