Strong 💔Man in Chicago, “America’s Got Talent” Simon Cowell, he has been confirmed as…see more”

“Hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the ITV talent show, first launched in 2007, returns this week for its 18th series.”

The judging panel features former X Factor judge Simon Cowell, alongside Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and YouTuber KSI. Holden, a long-time favourite with viewers, has been a part of the show since its very first series — though she almost didn’t appear at all.

“She is our Britain’s Got Talent queen, and she deserves that crown,” Cowell said of Holden. Revealing who he initially had in mind for the role, he added: “We had actually offered the spot to Cheryl Cole, as she was known then.”

However, plans took an unexpected turn when the Fight for This Love singer pulled out at the last minute. “A week before filming, she calls me and says, ‘I just can’t do it,’” Cowell recalled. “She didn’t give me a reason.”