He normally exudes coolness as he sits in his X-Factor chair, whether at Wembley stadium or in the comfort of his home.
But Simon Cowell’s relaxed nature got the better of him on Saturday night, when he appeared to suffer an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction during the judges’ houses stage of the competition.
The media mogul, 56, listened to contestants while sitting between Mel B and Emma Bunton on his sofa with one leg folded up against the other.
But his position promoted a Twitter outburst as viewers mistook his bare toe for a rather different body part.
One commented: ‘Has @SimonCowell had a wardrobe malfunction or is he enjoying these auditions a bit too much ? #XFactor.’
Another then wrote: ‘So…. #SimonCowell has had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction #XFactor2016 #Xfactor #JudgesHouses.’
Simon caused controversy with his comments about 17-year-old finalist Samantha Lavery – claiming the music mogul went too far with his decision to ask the Scottish beauty to take off her make-up.
One Twitter user wrote: ‘When he asked her to take the make up off, why didn’t she tell Simon about his wardrobe malfunction? #XFactor.’
During the episode, Simon described the wildcard as ‘distant’ to his guest judges Mel B and Emma Bunton as she stood in front of them to perform.
He continued: ‘Samantha I wish we had met without what you think is your pop star image.’
‘With you I think we’ve had a bit of a mask put up. I’d almost like to see you without so much make-up.
He added: ‘All I’m saying is I want to peel away the mask. Does that sound bad?’
However Spice Girls Emma and Mel did not look impressed by Cowell’s words and shot to the teen’s defence – insisting she’s ‘allowed to experiment’ and it’s ‘what kids do’.
Despite appearing upset by the criticism, Samantha walked off to tackle Simon’s advice.
Coming back stronger and fresh-faced following the comments, the singer nailed Ed Sheeran’s Make It Rain to earn her a spot in Cowell’s final three.
The 56-year-old – who is father to son Eric – was full of praise for Samantha’s toned down look.
‘I didn’t say it to be mean,’ he told her. ‘I actually said it because I hadn’t quite connected with you.’
Despite her resilience and making it through to the public shows, fans of the talent series have accused Simon of ‘shamming’ the young pop wannabe.
Taking to Twitter in their droves, a number of viewers appear infuriated with the remark.
One shocked user wrote: ‘Thank you @SimonCowell for reminding us that women aren’t allowed to dress how we want – by shaming a 17 yr old on national TV.’
As another shared: ‘How rude of @SimonCowell to ask this girl to take her make up off and change her clothes. The best way to damage someone confidence #XFactor’ (sic).
While one Twitter user made a rational point: ‘Make-up on or make-up off. Samantha Lavery has an incredible voice. And that’s what she should be judged on. #XFactor #JudgesHouse’.
Although many are shocked by the comments, Samantha herself admitted she normally doesn’t wear as much make-up like when first stepped out.
Explaining when she came back fresh faced, the starlet said: ‘I’d wear my make-up like this when I’m at home. This is how I normally have it.’
Moving on from the uproar, the performance had Simon proclaiming ‘Oh my God’ as Emma insisted she could listen to Samantha’s voice ‘all day’.
The Durham native joins Gifty Louise and Scottish singer Emily Middlemas in Simon’s final three girls ahead of next week’s live shows.
