Simon Cowell, renowned for his sharp wit and candid remarks, left viewers surprised with his notably restrained presence throughout Season 18 of AGT.
In stark contrast to his usual unfiltered comments, the 63-year-old judge remained unusually quiet while his co-stars, including Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel, engaged in discussions about the auditions. However, his silence was not a reflection of diminished interest.
Simon’s reduced participation during Season 18 was attributed to a medical issue he openly discussed in a USA Today interview. He disclosed that the constant exposure to stomach acid had inflicted severe damage upon his vocal cords.
Undergoing a medical examination involving a camera inserted through his nose and throat, Simon learned the extent of the damage. This ailment rendered him unable to speak for approximately a week during the audition phase. Interestingly, this temporary loss of voice provided him with a fresh perspective.
Simon observed that his fellow judges had developed stronger and more defined preferences, resulting in increased disagreements, albeit of a constructive nature.
In light of his recent health challenges, including two bike accidents, Simon reflected on how these incidents had a significant impact on his life. He candidly acknowledged that he was out of shape prior to the accidents.
Despite these setbacks, Simon expressed his determination to continue pursuing his passion for biking, much to the delight and support of his co-stars.