Simon Cowell explains why he cuts off performers during America’s Got Talent auditions

Long renowned for his scathing criticism on America's Got Talent, Simon Cowell has gained notoriety for one of his most notable behaviors: lifting his hand in the middle of a performance to stop a vocalist. Although viewers frequently prepare for this, Cowell acknowledges that he doesn't do it to embarrass competitors.

Usually, a deeper instinct tells him to stop abruptly: "I don't think we're going to air this." He believes that he can tell whether an act is not up to par or doesn't have what he considers broadcast quality.

For Cowell, that brief interruption is frequently a moment of mercy, even if it may feel startling. Singer Howie Mandel brought up Daniel Emmet's situation from Season 13, when Simon ordered him to learn another song in an hour after noticing something wasn't working. Even though it was challenging at the time, that sudden turn turned out to be "just the challenge he needed."

This relocation is about opportunity, not just drama, for both America's Got Talent contestants and viewers. Cowell uses his years of seeing undeveloped talent and assessing television potential to stop auditions that aren't quite connecting and give them another shot. Despite the discomfort, those disruptions are frequently landing pads rather than obstacles.

Why Simon Cowell often cuts off performers mid-audition on America’s Got Talent

Even though Simon Cowell's sudden pauses during America's Got Talent auditions may come across as dramatic, there's a reason for them. He makes these disruptions to safeguard competitors, and possibly the show's tempo, rather than to make them look foolish. It's a strategy developed over decades in the entertainment business and is intended to salvage the act or provide them with an opportunity to perform well under duress.

Redirecting acts to their strengths

Simon has become excellent at spotting when an audition isn't emotionally or stylistically compelling. He asks for another song, one that could better highlight their distinct voice, and gently stops the performance when he detects someone is straying from the path.

The America's Got Talent judges gave 13-year-old Chase Varnes a lot of love and a "yes" when he arrived scared and started off badly. He then paused and urged to change to Ed Sheeran's "Life Goes On." His move helps turn shaky performances into amazing ones.

Stall isn’t shame, it’s strategy

Cowell explains he raises his hand because he goes on instinct and wants those competing to pull out all the stops, even if it means stopping halfway through a verse. He admits that the room tends to go silent instantly, but generally it's not so much about dismissing the performance as preserving it and giving the competitor another shot at creating a memory.

When Gina Bellina started a heartfelt song, for instance, the America's Got Talent judge cut her off and moved the stage to her granddaughter Lilliana, who won everyone over with her voice.

In the end, Simon Cowell's mid-audition pauses are more about redirection than rejection. He intervenes empathetically to give the talent the best chance of impressing the judges and the audience by reducing anxiety, switching up the music, or even bringing in a different performer. It's a hallmark motion that has its roots in kindness and experience.

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Watch Simon on America's Got Talent on NBC.

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