Simon Cowell Almost Had a Talk Show But Backed Out at the Last Minute—Here's Why

What do AGT Judge Simon Cowell and The Voice Coach Kelly Clarkson *not* have in common? Their own talk show.

On January 3, 2023, Cowell revealed some interesting information: He was actually set to have his own talk show but backed out of the situation last minute due to nerves.

"I got to the point where they built the set and I started to get anxious and then really stressed out, and I just walked out the meeting,” Cowell told E! News. "I just said I literally couldn't do this. I just couldn't talk to people all day long. I'm not very good at talking." 

Cowell is currently judging America’s Got Talent: All-Stars, which sees 60 Acts from the Got Talent universe returning to the stage and competing for a new title. 

All-Stars premiered Monday, January 2, 2023 on NBC. "It was terrific, and it was really fascinating to see people who've competed on the American show and done really well, competing with people who won the show in other countries," Cowell told People about the show. "The dynamic was fascinating... and what really was great and cool about the show was that so many people decided to come back and compete."

He also added,  "One of the things I said was, 'If you can't get the big names, there's no point in making the show.' And when they told me a couple of the names, I thought, 'This is 'gonna be brilliant.'"

And he said as well, "From where we've started to where we are now, the quality of the Acts is, at times, honestly breathtaking, and just to see how they've progressed. I think they're very inspirational. And I think everyone needs that right now. We've met the most incredible people along the way and that's a big reason of why I love doing this show. That is what keeps me on the show. I love that part of it. I love that first Audition when you see someone's true talent and you go, 'Yeah, this is a moment.'"

Watch AGT: All-Stars Mondays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock.