How fatherhood changed Simon Cowell from judge with most savage insults to apologetic TV star

ok.co.uk:

Simon Cowell was once known as television's most vicious judge, with the music mogul striking fear into the heart of contestants on The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, and Pop Idol.

If there was anything not to his liking you would be hearing about it. His reputation for savage insults, damning criticisms, and blunt comments made so many waves that he was picked to judge American Idol shortly after.

He had comparisons to the meanest people on television in the early noughties – from Judge Judy and The Weakest Link's Anne Robinson, and everyone held their breath when he started a sentence with "I don't mean to be rude, but..." when he was on screen.

Simon also was known to look the contestants in the eye and give a shrug after giving his critical comments. Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter .