Simon Cowell's 'new look' in latest TV appearance sparks comments from viewers

vt-author-image

By Kim Novak

Article saved!Article saved!

Simon Cowell's new look left fans shocked after he appeared on stage at the Royal Variety Performance in the UK.

The music mogul, 64, is well-known for his signature look, consisting of a plain T-shirt, high-waisted black trousers (or jeans on a casual day), and shoes, with his hair kept trimmed in one identical style.

So it's no wonder fans were left baffled after spotting Simon looking a little... different during his latest television appearance, comparing him to another famous star.

Simon appeared on the Royal Variety Performance on December 17 to introduce this year's winner of Britain's Got Talent to the stage but left viewers distracted thanks to his orange-tinted sunglasses.

As the TV star and music mogul took to the stage to introduce comedian Viggo Venn, who was performing on the bill alongside stars including Cher, Rick Astley, and Mel C from the Spice Girls, fans noticed an uncanny resemblance to another star.

wp-image-1263240866 size-full
Everyone was talking about Simon Cowell's new look. Credit: ITV

He told the audience: "The best thing about making Britain’s Got Talent is, it’s fun. We see the most amazing people every year. In my opinion, we have the best prize in the world, which is to perform in front of the Royal Family.

"I can honestly say I’ve never seen an act like this before. He won the show and I can officially say, I now love you Viggo. I have no idea what he’s going to do tonight. Please welcome the incredible Viggo and in his words, one more time."

However, fans were more taken by the fact they thought that Simon was looking a lot like Wham! star George Michael, who was also known for being a fan of a tinted pair of shades.

wp-image-1263240867 size-full
People thought Simon resembled the late George Michael. Credit: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

It's not the first time Simon has rocked the orange-lensed shades, however, as he has previously been seen sporting them at photocalls for America's Got Talent, alongside his family.

The glasses were a staple part of George Michael's look, too, with fans taking to social media to say they almost mistook Simon for the late star, who died on Christmas Day in 2016.

They wrote: "Oh wow Simon Cowell has turned into George Michael," and: "Simon Cowell with his best George Michael impression."

Others added: "Thought it was a George Michael tribute act when I looked up," and: "George Michael Cowell."

wp-image-1263240870 size-full
Simon's been loving his orange glasses lately. Credit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

The glasses aside, part of Simon's new look has come from the fact he lost over 20lb in recent years after changing his lifestyle when he injured his back in 2020 after crashing his electric bike at his Malibu home.

He was bedbound for around six months after facing complications from surgery to fuse his vertebrae as a result of the accident, but used the time to overhaul his life.

According to reports from the Daily Mail, he is now committed to a regular sleep schedule and exercise regime, including walking 40 miles per week and rearranging his entire schedule to ensure he only starts meetings after 9:00AM, rather than hold conferences into the early hours of the morning like he used to.

A source told the publication: "Simon said how he hasn't worn trainers as much as this in 20 years. He feels fitter than ever before and is keeping to a normal routine rather than being on the phone until into the early hours of the morning."

Back in 2020, Simon appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show where he explained why it was so necessary for him to take control of his health.

He told the host: "I went to see this doctor in London and we did some tests, and then a month later he said 'You have the worst diet I've ever met from any patient.'

"It's pretty much all the things I loved that I can't now eat. So no dairy, no sugar, no bread, no gluten, no red meat.

"I've gotta be honest with you, it was easier than I thought. And part of the reason I did it was because Eric [his son] is five this year so I realized that if I didn't sort myself out physically I wouldn't be able to catch up with him," he added.

Featured image credit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images