Will Young’s recent appearance on BBC’s The One Show on Wednesday, April 24, brought about some eyebrow-raising recollections from his past encounters with Julia Roberts and Simon Cowell.
Young, 45, who rose to fame after winning the inaugural season of Pop Idol in 2002, revealed a moment of embarrassment during his first meeting with Roberts. While performing at the LA BAFTAs, he spotted Roberts in the dressing room and nervously blurted out a joke about renaming American Idol to Pup Idol, envisioning contestants bringing their puppies along. Roberts’ reaction was less than enthusiastic, leaving Young feeling sweaty and embarrassed.
In a separate incident, Young recalled his run-in with Simon Cowell during his Pop Idol days. After being criticized for his performance of The Doors’ Light My Fire, Young confronted Cowell on air, standing up for himself and other contestants who had faced Cowell’s scathing remarks.
Young’s decision to speak out against Cowell stemmed from his perception of him as an unpleasant individual and his frustration with the judge’s harsh feedback towards aspiring singers. He believed that someone needed to challenge Cowell’s authority, and he took it upon himself to do so.
These anecdotes shed light on Young’s candid and assertive nature, showcasing his willingness to speak his mind even in the face of intimidating figures like Roberts and Cowell. As he embarks on his upcoming UK tour to promote his new album, Light It Up, these stories serve as reminders of his journey and his resilience in the entertainment industry.
