Simon Cowell has apologised to ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winner Jai McDowall for saying he wasn’t a "genuine star".
After Jai, 33, won the show in 2011, Simon, 59, said he was "disappointed" but as Jai prepares to make his comeback on ‘Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions’, Simon admitted he was wrong.
He told The Sun’s Bizarre TV column: "I did feel when I saw him again that he’s the definition of a proud man. He didn’t sulk -he just came back to prove a point. And he did.
"I knew I had to apologise to him at that moment. It gave me a chance to say something publicly I should have said some time ago.
"But it was also the fact he had the guts to come back and compete, knowing I wasn’t that supportive the first time he was on the show. I thought, ‘Good for you -you did very well’. I think he’ll get a lot of work off the back of this show."
During Jai’s comeback episode he receives a standing ovation from Simon and tells the judge: "You have no idea how much that means – thank you. Thank you very much, Simon, for everything the show has given me. It has given me the lifestyle I can be happy about and the ability to follow my dreams – and I am so thankful for that."
Jai was recruited by producers as a replacement for ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ singer Susan Boyle – who was runner-up on the show in 2009 and went on to become a huge star – after she was forced to pull out of the special series due to scheduling conflicts.
Susan appeared on ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ last year and also released her eighth studio album ‘Ten’ – celebrating a decade in the spotlight – meaning her schedule is too packed to juggle the show as well.
A spokesperson previously said: "Susan has a busy year ahead with lots of performances coming up, trips to the US, headlining BBC Proms in September, as well as preparing for her upcoming tour.
"She is enjoying celebrating the decade since she first appeared on ‘BGT’ and her life changing for the better.
"She loved being part of ‘AGT Champions’ and, whether she is able to make it or not, wishes the contestants taking part on ‘BGT Champions’ the best of luck."
Simon Cowell apologises to Jai McDowall
