Simon Cowell said attending tonight's world premiere of Harry Hill's X Factor spoof musical I Can't Sing! was like seeing his second baby born this year.
The music mogul - who last month became a father for the first time - is one of the show's financial backers, and his recent parenthood is reflected in its script.
Simon, who walked the red carpet at the Palladium in London with girlfriend Lauren Silverman, said: "It's like my second baby this year, it feels like that.
"It's exciting, and I never thought I'd be in this spot. I don't know much about the West End or musicals, but the very first time I saw the run-through I really, really liked the show.
"And now I've seen the Twitter reaction to the previews and the people who've seen it really love it. So I'm thrilled."
The production, which stars Nigel Harman as a Cowell-like show boss, takes an affectionate swipe at a number of figures associated with the ITV show with characters based on Cheryl Cole - who is to return to The X Factor this year - and Louis Walsh. Take That star Gary Barlow gets a nod, with a dog named after him.
Simon admitted: "It's embarrassing, but I've got a thick skin."
