* He's known for being a tough critic: Cowell's role on American Idol was often to be the "tough love" judge. He wasn't known for showering praise. While he was known for his blunt comments, he also often complimented contestants he truly believed in.
* He was a judge for a long time: Cowell was a judge on American Idol for nine seasons (2002-2010). It's very possible he gave standing ovations, but they weren't frequent enough for it to become a notable event.
* It's not widely documented: While there are many articles and videos online about American Idol, specific details like standing ovations are not usually highlighted.
Instead of a specific instance, here are some possibilities:
* He might have given a standing ovation during the finale: The final performances are often very emotional and memorable. It's possible he stood up to show his appreciation for a truly outstanding performance.
* He might have stood up for a contestant he was particularly impressed with: While he was known for being critical, he did have moments where he showed genuine enthusiasm and appreciation for a contestant's talent.
While we can't be sure, it's likely Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation at some point during his time on American Idol. However, it was not a common occurrence.