Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden joined Simon Cowell at his Hollywood Walk Of Fame star unveiling
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‘American’s Got Talent’ judges Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel were also there to cheer him on, while former protégé Leona Lewis and BFF Sinitta were spotted in the crowd too.
Kelly Clarkson, who was the first ever winner of ‘American Idol’ on which Simon was a judge for eight seasons, also gave a speech where she credited him with “changing her life”.
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Simon was also supported by his 'America's Got Talent' co-stars
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Kelly Clarkson gave a speech about her former mentor
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Accepting the honour, Simon said: “I was a massive fan of American television, American movies, when I was growing up. I remember the first time I came to Hollywood, a long time ago and thinking it was the most magical place. And now I’m looking down at this, it’s so surreal.”
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One Direction's Louis Tomlinson dressed up for the occasion
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Sinitta also put in an appearance, obviously
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He thanked the artists and producers he has worked with throughout his career, before turning to his family seated in the audience.
He said partner Lauren Silverman had been his “rock”, and added: “One thing I was thinking about today was who would have got the biggest kick out of this, and it’s my mum and dad, and they are not here.
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Simon with partner Lauren Silverman and son Eric
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“I have a feeling they are looking down. And now I look over to my son, Eric, and say, ‘maybe one day you will get one of these as well’.”
Simon is currently in the middle of filming the ‘America’s Got Talent’ live shows, but will return to UK screens next month with a new series of ‘The X Factor’.
He will be joined on panel by One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field.
'X Factor' Judges Through The Years
Series 1-3 (2004-2006)(01 of11)
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The original line-up: Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh (credit:ITV)
Series 4 (2007)(02 of11)
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All change: Dannii Minogue joins Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, with Brian Freidman replacing Louis Walsh.Dermot O'Leary also replaces Kate Thornton as the show's host.
Series 4 (2007)(03 of11)
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The return of the Walsh: Louis makes a comeback after Brian Freidman is axed from the panel after only a few days of auditions.
Series 5-7 (2008-2010)(04 of11)
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The golden era: Cheryl Cole replaces Sharon Osbourne, joining Simon, Dannii and Louis.
Series 8 (2011)(05 of11)
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A mass exodus: Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland join the only original remaining judge, Louis Walsh.
Series 9 (2012)(06 of11)
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Schermazing: Nicole Sherzinger replaces Kelly Rowland, joining Gary, Tulisa and Louis.
Series 10 (2013)(07 of11)
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She's BACK! Sharon Osbourne rejoins the panel after five years, replacing Tulisa and joining Louis, Gary and Nicole. (credit:Rex)
Series 11 (2014)(08 of11)
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REUNITED: Simon and Cheryl return alongside Louis Walsh and new judge Mel B. (credit:Syco/Thames/ITV)
Series 12 (2015)(09 of11)
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Bye bye Louis: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora replace Louis and Mel, as they join Simon and Cheryl on the panel. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs step into Dermot's shoes as hosts. (credit:Twitter)
Series 13-14 (2016-17)(10 of11)
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A vintage line-up: Nicole, Louis and Sharon all stage sensational returns to the panel after the departures of Cheryl, Nick and Rita, while Dermot also returns as host. (credit:ITV)
Series 15 (2018)(11 of11)
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WTF?! Louis Tomlinson becomes the first former contestant to join the panel permanently, while Robbie joins the panel alongside his wife and 'Loose Women' panellist Ayda Field. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)