Global Firsts Index

Led Zeppelin On American Idol

First Standing Ovation By Simon Cowell On American Idol

From the beginning of American Idol until the Top 8 Round of Season 8, Simon Cowell had never stood up for any contestant.

Then on April 7, 2009 Adam performed the song "Mad World" originally by Tears For Fears, in the version by Gary Jules from the film "Donnie Darko". He was in the closing spot and the show was about to run out of time.

Simon tried to stop the audience's applause by raising his hand, then said "Adam, the bad news is we are running out of time. The good news is I am the only one to be talking, and I think words aren't necessary, but I am going to give you a standing ovation."

To see Simon's speech, please watch from Time Code 3:00.

We are also tracking a related Full Circle Moment, as Simon gave Adam another Standing Ovation years later as frontman of QUEEN + Adam Lambert during a promo performance on X-Factor UK.