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To the public,Simon Cowellis the guy who says no, but toKelly Clarkson, he’s anything but.
The 58-year-oldAmerica’s Got Talentjudge was honored on Wednesday with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the originalAmerican Idol, 36, was there to support him with introductory remarks,Varietyreports. Clarkson reminisced about how she and Cowell “started out together,” telling the audience, “He’s the best friend you can ever have … He’s honest and supportive.”
She also revealed that she never experienced “the mean” Cowell, adding, “I’m still waiting.”
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Discussing Cowell’s impact on the music industry, Clarkson also complimented his unique ability to find authentic talent. “[Simon] appreciates authenticity even if it’s not something he’s into,” she said. “He appreciates you being yourself. That’s very rare in this industry.”
In addition to judgingAmerican Idolfor nine seasons, Cowell also helped launchAmerica’s Got TalentandThe X Factor.
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“Lauren, you’ve been my rock for the past few years, put up with everything I put up with,” he said. “I suppose one thing I was also thinking about today was who would have got a bigger kick out of this? My mom and dad. And they’re not here, but I have a feeling they’re looking down, and now I can look over to my son Eric and say, ‘Maybe one day you’ll get one of these as well.'”
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Big names at the event includedAmerican IdolalumsKatharine McPheeandAdam Lambert,X FactoralumsLouis Tomlinson,Leona Lewis, andFifth Harmony’s Ally Brooke,America’s Got TalentwinnerGrace Vanderwaal, and fellowAGTjudgesHeidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Mel B.
But the producer was clear that he still prizes hard work, explaining that he doesn’t believe in just handing things to his son. “I would do with him what my dad did,” he said. “I would have him start as an intern, learn the job, but the idea that one day he could be doing this or something similar, I would love that.”
source: people.com
