Judge This! Simon Cowell Crashes Rehearsal of X-Factor Musical I Can't Sing in London

It’s like looking at the man in the mirror! According to London's Evening Standard, X Factor judge Simon Cowell made a surprise appearance at a rehearsal for the forthcoming West End tuner I Can’t Sing!, so he could judge for himself how the cast and creatives were doing.

A source revealed, "It was really awkward at first because obviously the musical is a parody of The X Factor and Simon." What did Cowell make of star Nigel Harman, who plays a caricature of the music mogul? "It was a little bit like Nigel was auditioning for The X Factor, with Simon sat right in front of him." The verdict on Harman's performance was reported to be a resounding yes and Cowell "even took him aside and gave him some advice."

Featuring a book by Harry Hill and music and lyrics by Steve Brown, I Can’t Sing! will begin performances at the London Palladium February 27 with opening night set for March 26. Numbers in the Sean Foley directed show include one entitled "Fabulous," which answers the question: why does Cowell wear such high-waisted pants? Something to do with being at school and wedgies, apparently.