Overview

• A clip of Cowell walking through The Jennifer Hudson Show’s recurring Spirit Tunnel, posted to X, drew wide attention for his atypical clapping.
• Social-media posts ranged from jokes about “T-Rex arms” and robot-like movements to comparisons with an AI deepfake.
• Other viewers pushed back, citing Cowell’s 2020 e‑bike accident and long recovery as context for his posture and movement.
• On air, Cowell said the entrance was the best way to come onto a show, asked to do it again, and suggested borrowing the idea for AGT.
• The Spirit Tunnel features staff lining a hallway and singing adapted lyrics to a tune from The Greatest Showman as guests enter the studio.