Simon Cowell returns to his hotel after filming his first day of 'Britain's Got Talent'. Manchester, England - 13.01.09

Cowell wanted to see Idol competitor Adam Lambert belt out One the week before the big final - and chose to cut through record industry red tape and go straight to U2's frontman.

Cowell says, "I had to get permission from the band, so they'd personally clear it.

"I literally had a call on Saturday from Bono, saying it would be their pleasure to have Adam sing this song."

Source: WENN