Simon Cowell scraps X Factor auditions after mother's death

Simon Cowell has canceled auditions for the new season of his hit show The X Factor in England following the death of his mother.

The TV and music mogul and his new panel of judges were set to start auditions in Manchester, England on Monday (06Jul15), but the try-outs have been scrapped as the show's boss mourns the loss of his mom, Julie Cowell, who reportedly died after suffering a stroke.

The sad news was confirmed in a statement from the 89-year-old's family.

It reads: "Today our beloved mom Julie passed away. Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was. We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace.

"We would like to thank the media for kindly respecting Julie’s privacy throughout and we politely request continued privacy for the entire family at this particularly difficult time."

The former ballet dancer was mother to Simon and his three brothers, Nicholas, Tony and Michael, and a stepmother to John and June Cowell.