Viewers of Britain's Got Talent were left puzzled after judge Simon Cowell was absent for parts of the latest episode aired on March 22, 2025. The popular ITV talent show was back in search of the nation's next big star, featuring judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, and guest judge KSI. Meanwhile, Cowell's seat on the panel remained conspicuously empty during crucial moments of the show.
Hosts Ant and Dec were quick to address Cowell's absence, announcing, "We have a spare chair. Unfortunately Simon can't be with us today. So we have a very special guest judge KSI," as reported by Wales Online. This unexpected change sparked conversation among viewers, with some expressing their surprise on X, with one commenter stating, "A show without Simon?!" while another recalled that Cowell was notably absent when singer Liam Payne passed away.
Indeed, Simon Cowell missed the audition set at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool the first week of October 2024 due to the tragic death of Liam Payne. The beloved singer died on October 16, 2024, at the age of 31, following a fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This heartbreaking news led to the suspension of the show’s auditions as an ITV spokesperson explained, "Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain's Got Talent auditions. Our thoughts are with Liam's friends, family and all who loved him."
Following a week of mourning, auditions resumed, albeit without Cowell, who was deeply affected by the loss of Payne. During this time, YouTuber and boxer KSI stepped in as a temporary judge. Cowell and Payne shared a mentor-mentee bond, having first met when Payne auditioned for The X Factor at just 14 years old in 2008. Even though Payne did not progress past the preliminary stages of the show, Simon encouraged him to return, which he did two years later. This led to his formation of the globally successful boy band, One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. Under Cowell’s guidance, One Direction captured the hearts of millions and finished third in the competition.
Walking down memory lane, many fans echoed their sentiments on social media during the episode, highlighting Simon's unique role in shaping not only Payne's career but also the music landscape. KSI, filling in for Cowell, performed admirably alongside judges Holden, Dixon, and Tonioli but the absence of Cowell was palpable. Existing in the shadows of Cowell’s legacy, KSI managed to bring his unique charisma to the panel but many felt it simply wasn't the same without the veteran talent judge.
Alongside the discussions on social media, fan expressions ranged from sympathy for Cowell to gratitude towards KSI for stepping in during such sensitive times. As the program continued to unfold on that Saturday evening, it was apparent that the vacant chair stood as a somber reminder of the circumstances surrounding Cowell’s temporary exit and the untimely loss of a rising star.
The show concluded with its customary fanfare, but not without lingering discussions about Cowell and Payne, reminding all of the fragility of life and the deep connections formed through this industry. The lasting impression left by Liam Payne and Simon Cowell on their respective audiences emphasizes the impact of reality television; it binds celebrities and fans together, even in their most personal moments of pain and reflection.
In light of the season's ongoing episodes, viewers can expect to see KSI join the judges for future shows. Britain's Got Talent airs every Saturday at 7 PM on ITV1, and while the show aims to showcase talent, this recent episode highlighted the blend of entertainment and real-life events that shape the persona of the individuals involved.
