In 2020, Simon Cowell agreed to appear on the Israeli version of X-Factor as one of its judges. He even signed a deal to formalize the collaboration between the producer and the show.
The team already scheduled its filming this summer. Unfortunately, the musical reality show needs to find a judge again after the reality TV judge declined.
Also Read: ‘Healing Crystals’ Reason Behind Simon Cowell’s ‘Miraculous’ Recovery?
Why did Simon Cowell refuse to appear on X Factor Israel?
On Sunday, a spokesperson from Reshet, the company that produces X Factor Israel, revealed to Variety the news. It detailed that Cowell himself decided not to pursue the scheduled participation due to his very own reasons.
When asked whether it would give Cowell a job outside judging, the representative refused to give further comments.
“Simon won’t be going to Israel after all. I know it has already been announced that he was one of the judges, but for a number of reasons he just can’t be there in Israel to film the show now,” the source added.
The same source close to Cowell disclosed that the star’s decision was due to the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine.
For what it’s worth, the military conflict began on May 10 before a ceasefire came into effect on the 21st of the same month. The violence occurred on the night of Qadr and Jerusalem Day.
Currently, the ceasefire seems to be up in the air again as the attacks continuously happen.
Cowell’s concerns
Cowell’s representatives, reportedly, reached out to Reshet with legitimate concerns over his participation. Since the attack in the country is yet to be ended, Cowell decided not to take the opportunity for now.
Apart from missing his supposed spot, the entertainment mogul will not be part of the milestones the show will enjoy. This year, X Factor Israel will select the country’s official entry for the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Italy.
Netta Barzilai, Aviv Geffen, Ran Danker, Miri Mesika, and Margalit Tzanani will be on the judging panel instead.
This spoilt Cowell’s excitement which he had been expressing since December. The TV personality once said that he wants to finally see the undiscovered musical talents in Israel.
While he chose not to be part of the talent show, Cowell can take his time to recover even more while focusing on America’s Got Talent.