Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh, former X Factor judges, continue their decades-long rivalry with fresh tensions boiling over. The Irish judge, aged 73, recently labeled the 66-year-old music mogul a “has-been,” intensifying their public spat.
Latest Clash Sparks from Documentary Snub
The current fallout traces back to Simon Cowell’s Netflix documentary, Simon Cowell: The Next Act, released late last year. The series chronicles his efforts to form the new boy band December 10, positioned as the next One Direction.
Louis reportedly feels furious after Simon opted for former Pop Idol co-judge Pete Waterman over him. Sources close to the pair indicate Louis believes he possesses the most experience and expertise among those involved.
Louis further stated that criticizing Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) would irk Simon, especially amid concerns over declining ratings. Ahead of BGT’s season premiere, Louis remarked, “BGT, who cares?! It’s not what it was. Back in the old days, it was pulling in 12 million, and the whole country cared who won.” He added, “Now it doesn’t feel like that, who even won last year?”
Louis also claimed Simon’s fiancée, Lauren Silverman, 48, manages his phone and diary. He described Simon as “incredible in his prime” but now lacking instinct, surrounded by people afraid to speak truthfully. Private texts allegedly called Simon “done now” and accused him of being surrounded by “fakes.”
Targeting December 10, Louis joked the group should have been named “April 1st,” though he expressed hope for their success “for the boys’ sake.”
History of Friendship and Friction
Simon and Louis first collaborated before gaining fame on The X Factor, where their song critiques and contestant jabs created must-see TV moments. Louis once credited Simon with changing his life, yet their bond has oscillated between camaraderie and conflict.
Louis served as a judge from the show’s 2004 launch through 2019, alongside Simon and Sharon Osbourne. They reportedly haven’t spoken in years.
In 2024, during Celebrity Big Brother, Louis and Sharon unleashed criticisms. Sharon vowed never to work with Simon again, citing blocked opportunities like The Masked Singer US due to X Factor contracts. Louis confirmed no contact since then, calling it “zero.”
Simon responded positively, viewing them as good friends. He told reporters, “I still consider Sharon and Louis really good friends… Whenever I meet them, it’s like we’ve spoken yesterday. My honest opinion is I think we miss each other.”
Key Turbulences on X Factor
- 2007 Sacking: Louis was removed after the show’s start but returned weeks later when replacement Brian Friedman departed.
- 2015 Exit: Louis left feeling humiliated, stressed, and undermined—Simon allegedly called him “idiot and bland.” He rejoined in 2016 until 2018.
- 2019 Departure: Louis revealed Simon paid him significantly to leave, denying any row: “I wasn’t kicked off. In fact, I was paid off.”
Westlife Revelation
In 2023, Louis shared how Simon initially dismissed Westlife—one of his biggest successes—as “f****** dreadful,” urging changes to four members. After dyeing Shane Filan’s hair blonde, Simon later praised the singer, prompting Louis to quip, “It just goes to prove Cowell didn’t know that much.”
Despite past barbs, Louis affirmed, “Simon changed my life… He’s a really nice man,” while noting his ego and vanity.
