Simon Cowell's new appearance at Royal Variety show leaves people completely baffled

Simon Cowell has his trademark look down pat - throw on a pair of high-waisted trousers, a plain shirt, some tinted sunglasses and Bob's your uncle.

But he debuted quite a different appearance during last night's (17 December) broadcast of the Royal Variety Performance which was aired on ITV. Take a look here:

The music mogul, 64, had the pleasure of introducing this year's winner of Britain’s Got Talent, who would be performing for the royals alongside the likes of Cher, McFly, Rick Astley, Zara Larsson, Paloma Faith and Melanie C.

If you've blocked out the memory of who took home the crown this year, it was none other than hi-vis-vest-wearing comedian Viggo Venn, who's neon striptease saw him take triumph on the talent show.

Cowell took to the stage in front of Prince William and Kate Middleton while warming up the crowd for the return of the funnyman, although the majority of viewers were left pretty unamused by his set.

Venn crowned a random audience member as 'King Charles' and presented him a golden jacket - but people were more preoccupied with their thoughts on the BGT judges new look.

Cowell sported a smart black suit and orange tinted sunglasses for the Royal Variety, leaving a lot of fans nearly mistaking him for another music icon.

ITV

He told the audience: "The best thing about making Britain’s Got Talent is, it’s fun. We see the most amazing people every year. In my opinion, we have the best prize in the world, which is to perform in front of the Royal Family.

"I can honestly say I’ve never seen an act like this before. He won the show and I can officially say, I now love you Viggo. I have no idea what he’s going to do tonight. Please welcome the incredible Viggo and in his words, one more time."

Viewers at home were so sidetracked by his appearance that they admitted they almost got him mixed up with the One More Try hitmaker and late pop star George Michael.

Cowell seemed to have taken a leaf out of the Wham! star's look book by sporting the vibrant glasses with a tailored ensemble that he was well known for wearing.

Michael passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Fans took to social media to comment on the eerily close resemblance between the pair, although some had a few other comparisons to make to Cowell.

One said: "Thought it was a George Michael tribute act when I looked up," while another added: "Is it me, or does Simon Cowell look like a ventriloquist doll?"

A third wrote: "Oh wow Simon Cowell has turned into George Michael," and a final joked: "George Michael Cowell."

Cowell previously confessed that he underwent a '21st century facelift' aka a Silhouette Soft Lift in 2018.

The £2,000 treatment, performed by the 'Picasso of dermatology' aka cosmetic surgeon Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh, involved sewing bioplastic-infused thread into the face and neck and tugging it to get rid of sagging skin.

The record executive has also been candid about his use of Botox and filler.