Simon Cowell's 'awkward' clapping in spirit tunnel sparks online chatter

Simon Cowell drew laughs and puzzled reactions Monday as he arrived at The Jennifer Hudson Show and walked through the program’s ceremonial 'spirit tunnel.' The music mogul, 65, appeared in good spirits as crew members lined the corridor, singing to him to the tune of The Greatest Showman while he clapped along.

Reaching the end of the corridor, Cowell joked, 'Can I do that again?' before stepping onto the set. Host Jennifer Hudson asked whether he enjoyed the entrance; he replied, 'I absolutely loved that, when they told me about it, it is seriously the best way of coming onto a show, seriously do you mind if I steal it for AGT.' Hudson then teased that they would be happy to replicate the bit for AGT if he wanted.

Video of the moment was shared on X, where fans teased Cowell’s clapping, joking about a new clap style and wondering about his rhythm. Comments ranged from playful quips about his hands folding inward to lighthearted questions about whether he needed help, underscoring the viral nature of the moment even as they praised his playful demeanor.

Earlier this month, Cowell arrived at the America’s Got Talent set in Pasadena, California, carrying workout gear; the judge has long discussed his fitness routine, including doing 100 push-ups a day and using equipment such as Perfect Push-up handles to ease wrist and elbow strain while training. The star has said his disciplined regimen is part of a broader lifestyle overhaul following a back injury he suffered in 2020 when he crashed his electric bike near his Malibu home, after which he adopted more regular sleep and exercise habits and shed more than 20 pounds (about 9 kilograms).

Cowell has spoken openly about the diet changes that accompanied his weight loss. He has said he cut out pies, red meat and gluten after a doctor warned his diet was among the worst he had seen, and he has stressed that he did not undergo a gastric band. Instead, he described a diet-and-exercise approach that he has maintained, including at-home workouts and occasional simple meals such as beans on toast when dining out. He has noted that his new routine was validated by blood work and consultations with a Harley Street doctor who specializes in diet optimization.

The spirit tunnel moment, captured during a standard studio entrance, underscores Cowell’s willingness to lean into lighthearted moments with fans and audiences while continuing to balance a busy television schedule with personal health and fitness efforts.