Simon Cowell has dedicated the upcoming series of ‘The X Factor’ to his late mother.
The grieving music boss – who lost his 89-year-old mother Julie just three days ago – kicked off auditions for the singing competition in Manchester on Wednesday (08.07.15), where he received a standing ovation from the crowd and told them he would be judging the contestants "in memory" of his mum.
He said: "You all know I had something happen in my personal life this week. Well this was my mum’s favourite show so I am doing it in memory of her."
Auditions were originally scheduled to begin on Monday (06.07.15) but were postponed for two days as a result of the 55-year-old music mogul’s loss, and he took to Twitter before filming began to thank fans for their support.
He wrote: "My family lost someone very special on Sunday. My Mum.
‘I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the kind messages received. Thank you. X (sic)."
Meanwhile, the opening day of auditions showed new judges Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora assume their roles for the first time, with Nick saying he was "super excited" the show was kicking off near to his childhood home in Manchester.
Fellow judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini added: "We’re so pleased Simon’s here. We’ve got two fabulous new judges, it’s so exciting."
Simon Cowell dedicates X Factor to late mum
