The outspoken judge of the talent show discusses his initial misgivings over the level of talent this season while gracing the red carpet at the 'AGT' season 17 Kick-Off event.

• Apr 21, 2022

AceShowbiz - Simon Cowell as high hopes for every new season of "America's Got Talent". However, the judge claims that the initial auditions for season 17 was disappointing and it made him "really upset."

Simon opened up about his initial misgivings over the level of talent this season while gracing the red carpet at the "AGT" season 17 Kick-Off event at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Wednesday, April 20. "When [taping] first started -- you know, I am always expecting, always hoping, the show can or should should be better year on year," he shared.

"But the first two days really were horrific, and I really thought we had an issue," the outspoken judge, who wore a brace bandage on his hand after breaking his arm earlier this year, said. "Just nobody was any good. It was terrible and I was really upset."

"Everybody kept saying, 'No, no, no, I promise you, There is much better to come.' And I thought, 'Maybe we're just out of sync this year,'" Simon continued. "And then by day three, it all turned. It just went great."

Thankfully, it did turn out better. "Everyday, it got better better and better," Simon said. He even gushed over the upcoming new season, which will premiere on May 31, "Once the show is edited, I think the [season] could be better than last year. And that's my thing, I like to get better each year."

That aside, Simon is now preparing for his wedding to fiancee Lauren Silverman. He was reportedly planning to throw a lavish stag party in Las Vegas with his 10 pals.

The 62-year-old TV personality allegedly will get them together and jet off to Sin City before the end of the year. A source claimed that he's determined to bring his beloved dogs, Yorkshire Terriers Squiddly and Diddly, along for the ride.

"The plan is to invite around ten of his closest friends as well as the dogs. His infamous harem of female pals and exes are understandably banned," the informant continued. "Nothing is set in stone but his team are already penciling a gap into his schedule for later this year."