Simon Cowell gushed over his 16-year-old friendship with Katie Piper at the Katie Piper Foundation's annual Carol concert.
The music mogul, who has been a patron of the charity for 15 years, attended the third annual carol concert and gave an emotional speech calling his pal Piper 'one of the most special people' he has ever met.
He praised Piper's tireless work to help the burn survivors.
"You are honestly one of the most special people I've ever met because I want to take you back 16 years," Cowell said.
He went on to say, "16 years ago I saw the documentary, and I saw someone in tremendous pain. I can't imagine what you went through."
"You're the real definition of what I call strength, being a survivor in so many ways and real, real, true inspiration," Cowell noted.
In 2008, the Loose Women star endured an acid attack by her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch which left her face with burns and partial blindness.
While concluding his speech Cowell, he noted that his son will also be involved in the charity work as he does.
"I am honored to be a friend. I will always be here with you, with Lauren, and in years to come Eric. [to Eric] Over to you next!" he added.