Simon Cowell didn’t want to be there for Susan Boyle, he tells Oprah

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Those who’ve seen the picture above of Simon Cowell seemingly captivated during Susan Boyle‘s Internet-stopping ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ audition should know there’s some cranky-Brit back story.

Cowell told Oprah Winfrey on her show Thursday that before Boyle started singing, he was in a bad mood and didn’t want to be there. Didn’t think they’d find anyone good. And it showed.

‘When I watched the clip back, I actually hated myself. We’re all sneering; we’re not listening,’ he said. ‘I didn’t like what I saw. It was a wake-up call, and I was happy she made us look stupid, because we deserved it.’

And yes, he says, boredom is one factor in his decision to leave ‘American Idol,’ he says. Big problem: He can’t hide it when he’s bored, and the audience ‘deserves more than that.’ He’s also excited about the U.S. version of ‘X Factor’ in part because there’s no upper age limit -- a notion that should intrigue many Ministry commenters.

Especially the ‘Glee’ fans.

Want some dishy stuff about how, unlike Mezhgan Husseini, he could never handle being Simon Cowell’s girlfriend? Get it here.

— Christie D’Zurilla

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