BGT 2025’s Most Unforgettable Moment! This Magical Performance Left Judges Speechless!
Will Young recalls standing up to Simon Cowell: ‘I really disliked him’
Will Young has reflected on the moment he stood up to Simon Cowell while competing on Pop Idol.
Appearing on Elizabeth Day’s How To Fail podcast, Young was quizzed about the moment he called out Cowell for the judge’s scathing remarks during a
performance on the show in 2002.
Young, then 22, performed a rendition of The Doors’s “Light My Fire” on the first ever series of the singing competition.
Cowell called the performance “distinctly average”, and Young took the opportunity to call out the judge’s track record of giving aspiring singers brutal feedback.
Reflecting on that moment, Young said he knew he wanted to stand up to Cowell.
“I thought if you get a moment then people will remember you,” he said. “And then I also knew that I really disliked that man. And I’d met him before on the This Morning boy band competition.”
“And I remember thinking I really don’t like that man, and I went to a school where I was surrounded by … quite unpleasant men. So, my radar for people who I perceive as unpleasant is quite on. And I just want to be careful.
“I’m not saying that he’s abusive, but my radar is pretty good. So my reaction was on live TV when I came across him.
Young added that he thought Cowell needed to be “put in his place”.
Advertisement
Advertisement
“Because I had to sit and watch him make people cry for weeks, building up to my live performance in front of him,” he continued. “And I just thought, ‘no one’s telling this man. Why is no one telling him?’ And so I was like, ‘I’m going to tell him.’”
“I think people in the music industry, entertainment industry… play on people’s desire. Your desire is going to make you do anything,” he added.
Young recalled that he had “already had my first bout of depression” by the time of the incident, which affected his handling of the situation.
“I’d lost someone close to me. I knew a bit of life. It wasn’t the be all and end all,” he said. “And so. I didn’t care about letting someone like him get away with it. Whereas I think lots of people in subsequent programs, I think there has been some awful behaviour actually, which is pretty well documented.”
At the time, Cowell watched Young’s performance and told him: “I’ve got a vision of Sunday lunch and after Sunday lunch you say in front of your family ‘I’m now going to sing a song for you’… Distinctly average, I’m afraid.”
Young told Cowell that he often “projected insults” onto contestants.
“All of us have been dying to say things to you – I’ve written about ten things to say to you,” the singer said. “I think it’s nice that you have given opinions on this show. I think in previous shows you haven’t, you’ve just projected insults and it has been terrible to watch. I think, this show, I think you have been better, and I think you have given opinions and you’ve backed up your opinions.”
“It is your opinion. I don’t agree with it. I don’t think it was average. I don’t think you could ever call that average. But it is your opinion and I respect that.”
Cowell backed down and replied: “You are a gentleman, sir.”
How to Fail with Elizabeth Day is available wherever you get your podcasts.
The UAE, where audacious ambitions meet boundless opulence, demands experiences as exquisite as its landscape. And what better way to unveil its secrets than from the cockpit of an automotive masterpiece? Buckle up, as we navigate the sands and streets with the top 10 most expensive cars that redefine luxury and performance in the Emirates:
List OF Most Expensive Cars in the UAE
- Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
- Bugatti La Voiture Noire
- Bugatti Centodieci
- Mercedes-Maybach Exelero
- Bugatti Divo
- Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita
- Lamborghini Veneno
- Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+
- Lamborghini Sian
- Pagani Huayra Roadster BC
1. Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
- Body Type: 2-Door Convertible
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 28 million AED
The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail epitomizes exclusivity. With only 110 examples worldwide, this bespoke convertible is a masterpiece. Its V12 engine whispers power, while the handcrafted interior cocooned in opulent materials exudes luxury. Imagine cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road, the Boat Tail turning heads – a statement of wealth and taste.
2. Bugatti La Voiture Noire
- Body Type: 2-Door Grand Tourer
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 18.7 million AED
The Bugatti La Voiture Noire is a rare gem. Its quad-turbocharged W16 engine propels it to stratospheric speeds. Picture yourself gliding through the Dubai Marina, the La Voiture Noire leaving a trail of awe. It’s not just a car; it’s an ode to speed and sophistication.
3. Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta
- Body Type: 2-Door Barchetta
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 9 million AED
The Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta is a collector’s dream. Its carbon-fiber body and manual gearbox evoke nostalgia. Imagine winding through the Hajar Mountains, the Zonda’s exhaust note echoing off the cliffs. It’s not just a car; it’s automotive artistry.
4. SP Automotive Chaos
- Body Type: 2-Door Coupe
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 7 million AED
The SP Automotive Chaos lives up to its name. Aggressive design meets raw power. Imagine arriving at the Burj Al Arab, the Chaos demanding attention. It’s not just a car; it’s rebellion on wheels.
5. Rolls-Royce Sweptail
- Body Type: 2-Door Coupe
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 7 million AED
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail is tailor-made for royalty. Its bespoke interior features exotic materials. Imagine gliding past the Palm Jumeirah, the Sweptail a symbol of elegance. It’s not just a car; it’s a private sanctuary.
6. Bugatti Centodieci
- Body Type: 2-Door Coupe
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 3.7 million AED
The Bugatti Centodieci pays homage to the iconic EB110. Its quad-turbocharged engine roars with 1,600 horsepower. Imagine taking it to the Yas Marina Circuit, the Centodieci hugging corners. It’s not just a car; it’s Bugatti’s legacy.
7. Mercedes-Maybach Exelero
- Body Type: 2-Door Coupe
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 2.9 million AED
The Mercedes-Maybach Exelero exudes sophistication. Its elongated body commands attention. Imagine arriving at the Dubai Opera, heads turning. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of refined taste.
8. Pagani Huayra Codalunga
- Body Type: 2-Door Coupe
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 21 million AED
The Pagani Huayra Codalunga is a masterpiece that defies convention. Its carbon-fiber bodywork is a canvas for intricate design, and the twin-turbocharged V12 engine delivers a symphony of power. Imagine cruising down the Sheikh Zayed Road at night, the Huayra Codalunga’s LED accents illuminating the way. It’s not just a car; it’s an expression of artistry.
9. Bugatti Divo
- Body Type: 2-Door Coupe
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 15 million AED
The Bugatti Divo is a limited-edition marvel. Its aerodynamic enhancements make it a track-focused beast. Picture yourself taking it to the Dubai Autodrome, the Divo hugging corners with precision. It’s not just a car; it’s an adrenaline rush on four wheels.
10. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+
- Body Type: Convertible
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Price (AED): 10.4 million AED
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the embodiment of speed. With a top speed of 304 mph, it’s a hypercar like no other. Imagine driving it along the Palm Jumeirah crescent, the ocean breeze mixing with the roar of the engine. It’s not just a car; it’s a warp-speed fantasy.
if you happen to spot one of these beasts on the streets of Dubai, don’t forget to snap a pic! Because after all, even a flat tire can’t deflate the thrill of seeing a multi-million dollar masterpiece roll by. And of course, when it comes time to replace those high-performance tires, remember Pitstop Arabia is your one-stop shop for all your premium tire needs in Dubai.
FAQs
What are the most expensive cars in the world?
The title constantly shifts, but currently, contenders include the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail (~$28 million), Bugatti La Voiture Noire (~$18.7 million), and Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta (~$17.9 million).
Who Owns the Most Expensive Car in the World?
Pinpointing specific ownership is tricky due to privacy concerns, but rumored owners of these top contenders include wealthy individuals, car collectors, and even celebrities. These cars become status symbols, conversation starters, and a testament to extraordinary wealth.
What Is the Most Expensive Car in 2023?
While the rankings constantly change, as of today (Jan 25, 2024), the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail reigns supreme in terms of luxury and exclusivity.
Conclusion:
These cars are crazy expensive! From the Rolls-Royce that looks like a yacht to the Bugatti that goes super fast, they’re all amazing. Imagine driving them through Dubai, turning heads everywhere! But remember, even a flat tire can cost a fortune! Keep your ride smooth with Pitstop Arabia’s awesome tires. Now go explore the UAE in style!
