Simon Cowell Misses ‘American Idol’ For Friends’ 40th Birthday

Don Kaplan of the New York Post spoke with ‘American Idol’ judge Simon Cowell on why he was noticeably absent from Wednesday’s show. “It was partly on business,” he said, explaining that he had promised to return to England for a friend’s 40th birthday. Some had speculated it was “emergency business” or that he was being punished for allegedly flipping off show co-host Ryan Seacrest during last Wednesday’s show.