Simon Cowell

Simon Phillip Cowell (/ˈkəl/; born 7 October 1959) is an English television personality, entrepreneur, and record executive. He has judged on the British television talent competition shows Pop Idol (2001–2003), The X Factor UK (2004–2010, 2014–2018) and Britain's Got Talent (2007–present), and the American television talent competition shows American Idol (2002–2010), The X Factor US (2011–2013) and America's Got Talent (2016–present). Cowell is the founder and sole owner of the British entertainment company Syco.

Simon Cowell
Cowell in 2011
Born
Simon Phillip Cowell

(1959-10-07) 7 October 1959
London, England
Occupations
  • Television personality
  • entrepreneur
  • record executive
Years active1980–present
OrganizationSyco Entertainment
LabelSyco Music
Television
Partner(s)Lauren Silverman
(2013–present; engaged)
Children1
RelativesNicholas Cowell (brother)
Tony Cowell (half-brother)

After some success in the 1980s and 1990s as a record producer, talent agent and consultant in the UK music industry, Cowell came to public prominence in 2001 as a judge on Pop Idol, a talent television show which he and its creator Simon Fuller successfully pitched to ITV Controller of Entertainment Claudia Rosencrantz. He subsequently created The X Factor in 2004 and Got Talent in 2006, which have become successful television franchises sold around the world.

Cowell often makes blunt and controversial comments as a television music and talent show judge, including insults and wisecracks about contestants and their singing abilities. He combines activities in both the television and music industries. Cowell has produced and promoted successful singles and albums for various recording acts whom he has signed to his record label Syco Music, including Little Mix, James Arthur, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Fifth Harmony, Olly Murs, Noah Cyrus, Fleur East, Ella Henderson, and Susan Boyle. He has also signed successful boy bands such as Westlife, One Direction, PrettyMuch, and CNCO.

In 2004 and 2010, Time named Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world.[1][2] In 2008, The Daily Telegraph ranked him sixth in their list of the "100 most powerful people in British culture".[3] The same year, he received the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards.[4] At the 2010 British Academy Television Awards, Cowell received the BAFTA Special Award for his "outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and for his development of new talent".[5] In 2018, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the television category.[6]

Early life

Simon Phillip Cowell was born on 7 October 1959[7][8] in Lambeth, London, and raised in Elstree, Hertfordshire. His mother, Julie Brett (née Josie Dalglish, 1925–2015),[9] was a ballet dancer and socialite, and his father, Eric Selig Phillip Cowell (1918–1999), was an estate agent, property developer, and music industry executive.[10] Cowell's father was from a mostly Jewish family (his own mother was born in Poland),[11] though he did not discuss his ancestry with his children. Cowell's mother was from a Christian background.[11][12] He has a younger brother, Nicholas Cowell; three half brothers, John, Tony, and Michael Cowell; and a half sister, June Cowell.[13]

Cowell attended Radlett Preparatory School, Licensed Victuallers' School in Ascot for one year,[14] and the private Dover College, as did his brother, but left after taking GCE O levels. He passed English Language and Literature and then attended Windsor Technical College, where he gained another GCE in Sociology.[15] Cowell took a few menial jobs—including, according to his brother Tony,[16] working as a runner on Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film The Shining—but did not get along well with colleagues and bosses, until his father, who was an executive at EMI Music Publishing, managed to get him a job in the mail room. However, after failing to get a promotion, he left to try out other jobs before returning to EMI.[17]

Career

Early career

In the early 1980s, Cowell left EMI to form E&S Music with his former boss at EMI but quit in 1983.[18] He then formed Fanfare Records with Iain Burton, initially selling exercise videos, and music from acts such as the Italian orchestra Rondò Veneziano.[19][20] He had his first hit song in 1986 with "So Macho" by Sinitta. Some of Cowell's early success came through Stock Aitken Waterman, who produced a number of hits in the 1980s.[21][22] However, in 1989 the company went under, with Pete Waterman forced to put a freeze on Fanfare's assets, and taking Cowell's Porsche as compensation for outstanding production and royalties payments.[23][24] Amid the company's implosion Cowell nearly became bankrupt.[25]

Irish boy band Westlife achieved the first official number one on the UK Singles Downloads Chart with "Flying Without Wings" in September 2004.

He then found a job with BMG as an A&R consultant and set up S Records under BMG.[26][27] He restarted his career in the music business by creating novelty records with acts such as the puppets Zig and Zag, Power Rangers and World Wrestling Federation.[28] In 1995, through his persistence, he persuaded two actors, Robson Green and Jerome Flynn from the UK television drama series Soldier Soldier, to sign with him and record the song "Unchained Melody", which they had performed on the show.[29] The recording by the duo, now named Robson & Jerome, quickly reached number 1 in the UK, staying at the top of the chart for seven weeks.[30] It became the best-selling single of 1995, and their self-titled album released later in the year also became the best-selling album of 1995.[31] They released another album and two more singles before disbanding, and sold 7 million albums and 5 million singles in total.[32] According to Cowell, they made him his first million.[33] Later acts he signed included Five, Westlife and Teletubbies.[34]

Idol franchise

"On Tuesday 13 February 2001 TV veteran Alan Boyd saw two men he had never met before in his London office and the meeting changed the face of Saturday night entertainment. As Mr Cowell and Mr Fuller rattled through their idea for an ambitious new show to identify an unknown British singing star, Boyd scribbled notes during the hour-long meeting. Pop Idol, as it became, attracted mass family audiences, sold around the world, and it would also act as a template for a host of new shows set to transform Saturday night entertainment, with a mixture of live judging and public voting all in the initial pitch".

— "The scribbled note that changed TV", by Maggie Brown in The Guardian, October 2009.[35]

In 2001, Cowell was given the role of judge on the first series of Pop Idol, a show that he and the show creator Simon Fuller successfully pitched to ITV Controller of Entertainment Claudia Rosencrantz.[36] Maggie Brown in The Guardian states, "the show became a seminal reality/entertainment format once on air that autumn".[35] Cowell's S Records signed the top two finishers of the first season of Pop Idol, Will Young and Gareth Gates, both of whom went on to have No 1 UK hits, and they were the top 2 best-selling singles of 2002 and the decade of 2000s.[37] He also became a judge on the first season of American Idol in 2002. With his notoriously critical reputation, Cowell has been likened to TV personalities such as Judge Judy and The Weakest Link host Anne Robinson.[38] His closest predecessor was British TV critic Nina Myskow who, in the 1980s, became known for her harsh put-downs in New Faces, a talent show that Cowell cited as an influence.[39][40] Cowell's prominence grew, fed by his signature phrase, "I don't mean to be rude, but ...", inevitably followed by an unsparingly blunt appraisal of the contestant's talents, personality, or even physical appearance. A lot of these one-liners were the product of coaching that Cowell received from publicist Max Clifford.[41] Cowell also appeared on the one-off World Idol programme in 2003, in which it became clear that each country's version of the Idol had attempted to come up with its own "Simon Cowell" type personality.

Cowell formed a new company, Syco, in 2005.[42] The company is divided into three units: Syco Music, Syco TV and Syco Film.[43] Cowell returned to music with his latest brainchild signed to Syco, the internationally successful operatic pop group Il Divo,[44][45] consisting of three opera singers and one pop singer of four different nationalities. Inspired by the success of Il Divo, Simon created a child version, Angelis, beating competition from similar groups emerging at Christmas 2006.

On 11 January 2010, Cowell's exit from American Idol was made official. By the time Cowell left American Idol, the show was on its seventh consecutive season in its leadership among all primetime programmes in the United States, even lasting up to 2011 in the longest winning streak in the US overall viewership and demographics in the Nielsen ratings. The 2010 season was Cowell's last on the show, and he was replaced by Steven Tyler. It was also announced that FOX had acquired the rights to The X Factor USA, an American version of British show The X Factor that launched in 2011.[46][47]

The X Factor

Cowell alongside Cheryl Cole as judges on The X Factor UK's seventh series on 21 June 2010

In 2004, with Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, Cowell was a judge on the first series of the British television music competition The X Factor, which he created using his production company, Syco TV. The X Factor was an instant success with the viewers and enjoyed its tenth series in 2013.

One Direction signed to Cowell's record label after finishing third and being mentored by Cowell on The X Factor in the UK in 2010. The group is one of Cowell's international break-out acts.[48][49][50][51]

Leona Lewis, the winner of the third series of The X Factor, was signed to Cowell's label Syco and has had number one singles and album sales around the world.[52][53] Cowell returned for a fourth series on 18 August 2007 alongside Osbourne, Walsh and new judge, Dannii Minogue. Walsh had previously been sacked from the judging panel by Cowell for the fourth series, and he was subsequently replaced by Brian Friedman, who was a judge on Grease Is the Word. Walsh was later brought back by Cowell a week into the auditions when he and Osbourne realised that they missed Walsh and that without him, there was no chemistry between the judges. Cowell returned for the fifth series in 2008, with Walsh, Minogue, and new judge Cheryl Cole, as Osbourne had decided to quit before the show began.[54][55] Cowell returned for series 6 and 7 as well, although series 7 was to be his last, as he left in 2011 in order to launch The X Factor in America. After placing third in the seventh series of The X Factor in the UK, boyband One Direction signed to Cowell's label in 2011, and the group has gone on to top singles and album charts worldwide.[56][57] Cowell was replaced by Gary Barlow. In 2011, UK series eight winners Little Mix signed to Cowell's label. The girl group has sold 50 million records worldwide.[58]

Fifth Harmony signed to Cowell's record label after finishing third on the American X Factor in 2012 and were mentored by Cowell. The group is another one of Simon's successful acts.[59][60][61]

Australian The X Factor launched in 2005 on Network Ten, and it featured Mark Holden, Kate Ceberano and John Reid as the show's judges, but it was cancelled after just one season due to poor ratings. However, the show returned in 2010 and performed strongly on the Seven Network until its eighth season in 2016, when its ratings declined. Subsequently, the show was axed for a second time in January 2017.[62]

Cowell also launched American The X Factor in September 2011 on American broadcaster Fox. It was originally announced that he would be a judge both on the UK and US editions of the show, which aired at similar times of the year,[63][64] but MTV officially reported on 17 April 2011 that this was not true. Cowell was no longer to be a judge on the UK version,[65] but he would remain a major presence backstage.[66] He was joined by Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and formerly Cheryl Cole. Cowell's act Melanie Amaro won the season, making Cowell the winning judge. Cowell and Reid returned for season 2, while Demi Lovato and Britney Spears joined the judging panel as replacements for Abdul and Scherzinger. This season launched another of Cowell's acts into worldwide fame, the group Fifth Harmony.

Cowell returned for a third season of The X Factor in September 2013 alongside Demi Lovato, while Britney Spears and L.A. Reid announced they would not be returning and were replaced by Paulina Rubio and Kelly Rowland. Cowell's last act Alex & Sierra won the season, marking Cowell's second season as the winning mentor after he won with Melanie Amaro in 2011.

In October 2010, Cowell signed new three-year deals with ITV for both Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor, retaining them until 2013.[67] On 15 November 2013, the three-year deal was extended by another three years, keeping it on air until 2016.[68]

In October 2013, it was reported that Cowell might return to the UK version of The X Factor for series 11 in place of Gary Barlow, and on 7 February 2014, his return was officially confirmed.[69][70] This resulted in the cancellation of the US version after three seasons by Fox. He joined judges Louis Walsh, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who replaced Sharon Osbourne, and new judge, former Spice Girls member Mel B, who replaced Nicole Scherzinger. For his eighth series, he was given the Over 25s category. On 13 December, Ben Haenow and Fleur East reached the final two, which meant that Cowell was the winning mentor for the first time since series 3 2006, when he had both Leona Lewis and Ray Quinn in the final. Ben Haenow became the eleventh winner on 14 December.[71] In 2015, Cowell returned to the X Factor for its twelfth series, along with veteran judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and newcomers Rita Ora and BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw.

In December 2020 it was announced that Cowell will be a judge on The X Factor Israel in 2021.[72] In late May 2021, Cowell announced he will be cancelling his appearance on the show in context of the Israeli aggression against Gaza.[73]

Got Talent

Britain's Got Talent stage at the London Palladium in the West End in 2019. Cowell's 'X' is on the far left.

Following the success of the Idol and X Factor franchises, Cowell, his company Syco, and its business partners developed a talent show format open to performers of any kind, not only singers, but also dancers, instrumentalists, magicians, comedians, novelty acts, and so on. The origins of the Got Talent format can be traced to the British talent shows Opportunity Knocks (on screen from 1956, with the winner using the now-standard method of a telephone vote) and New Faces.[74] Immensely popular with weekly audiences of 20 million, Opportunity Knocks showcased singers, dancers and comedians in addition to non standard performers such as acrobats, animal acts and novelty acts.[74] Cowell states, "I was a fan of variety shows Opportunity Knocks and New Faces, and to be able to update that tradition, really was a buzz".[40]

Cowell is the executive producer of America's Got Talent,[75] which debuted in June 2006, along with Fremantle producers of the Idol series. The show was a huge success for NBC, drawing around 12 million viewers a week and beating So You Think You Can Dance on Fox (produced by rival and Idol creator Simon Fuller).

Britain's Got Talent debuted on ITV in June 2007.[76] Cowell appeared as a judge alongside Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan. The show was a ratings success, and second and third seasons followed in 2008 and 2009. The third series featured a publicity coup when Susan Boyle made a global media impact comparable to that of any previous talent show series winner with her regional audition performance.[76][77] In December 2019, Cowell signed a five-year deal with ITV ensuring Britain's Got Talent will stay on the channel until 2024.[78]

In 2014, Got Talent was named the world's most successful reality TV format by Guinness World Records, with spin-offs in over 68 countries. Cowell stated, "I am very proud that Got Talent is a home grown British show. We owe its success to a group of very talented producers all over the world who have made this happen. And of course amazing talent."[79]

In 2015, Cowell launched La Banda, his first US show since his stint with American The X Factor. The show, designed to find male singers to form the "ultimate Latino Boy Band", launched on Univision in the US on 13 September 2015. The winner of the show, boy band CNCO, signed to Cowell's record label Syco Music.

Cowell was announced as the replacement for Howard Stern on America's Got Talent on 22 October 2015.[80] On 15 July 2020, it was announced that Cowell had bought out Sony Music from their joint venture, Syco Entertainment.[81]

Other talent shows

On 16 March 2006, American Inventor debuted on ABC. Cowell co-produced the show with British entrepreneur Peter Jones, who had devised the concept.[82][83] Fledgling entrepreneurs from across the United States competed to see who could come up with the best new product concept. The 2006 winner, Janusz Liberkowski,[84][85] received $1 million and the opportunity to develop his idea into a business. The show returned one more time in 2007 for a second season.

In 2006, Cowell executive-produced Celebrity Duets,[86] which was described as "an Idol show for Hollywood superstars". The show was hosted by Wayne Brady, and its judges were Marie Osmond, Little Richard,[87] and David Foster.

Cowell was also the executive producer of Grease Is the Word for ITV. This show set out to find performers to play Danny and Sandy in the 2007 West End revival of Grease. It was hosted by Zoë Ball and judged by Britons David Ian and Sinitta and Americans David Gest and Brian Friedman. The musical theatre casting concept had already been introduced by the BBC with the ratings hit How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?, but Cowell's show was not the hoped-for success. He himself said, "It has been slaughtered by the critics – and rightly so. It is far too similar to our other formats."[88]

Cowell collaborated with UK production company Shed Media to produce 2008 ITV drama series Rock Rivals, which is based on an X Factor type show. In 2011, Cowell also created his first game show, titled Red or Black? and hosted by Ant & Dec, for ITV. Series 1 was broadcast from 3 to 10 September. The show was recommissioned by ITV for a second series in 2012, which aired weekly.

In 2013, Cowell, in partnership with YouTube, launched a video-sharing competition called The You Generation. In 2013, Simon was executive producer for ITV cookery series Food Glorious Food, which was hosted by Carol Vorderman. He did the same for a game show called Keep it in the Family, presented by Bradley Walsh in 2016.

In 2018, it was announced that Cowell created his first show to air on the BBC, titled The Greatest Dancer, which debuted on 5 January 2019.[89] In the show, dancers competed for a £50,000 and a performance on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. A second series is scheduled to air in 2020.[90]

In April 2020, Cowell judged a spin-off version of the former show Canada's Got Talent called Canadian Family's Got Talent, carried out virtually by Canadian broadcaster Citytv during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.[91]

In the media

Cowell at the National Television Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, London in November 2006

Cowell has been involved in charity work for many years.[92] He is a patron of Together for Short Lives, the leading UK charity for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. He was patron of Children's Hospices UK between 2009 and 2011 before it merged to become Together for Short Lives.[93] He donated money to Manchester Dogs' Home in England after it was hit by a large fire.[94] In view of his charitable works, particularly the production of the charity single "Everybody Hurts" in aid of victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, as well as his services to the music industry, there was considerable media speculation as to whether Cowell would receive a knighthood in the Queen's 2010 Birthday Honours, a proposal allegedly put forward by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown.[95]

In November 2003, Cowell appeared on the charity telethon Children in Need where viewers pledged thousands to see him get sawn in half.[96] In December 2003, Cowell published his autobiography titled I Don't Mean to be Rude, but.... In it, he told the whole story of his childhood, his years working in music and experiences on Pop Idol, Pop Stars Rivals, and American Idol, and finally, his tips for being successful as a pop star. In 2010, he was added as a new entry to the latest edition of the UK's Who's Who.[97]

Cowell has appeared as a guest voice in an episode of The Simpsons ("Smart and Smarter"), in which he gets beaten up by Homer Simpson (while criticising Homer's punches).[98][99] In May 2010, he portrayed himself again in an episode of The Simpsons, "Judge Me Tender".[100] His voice was heard on an episode of Family Guy ("Lois Kills Stewie"), in which he told Stewie that his singing was so awful that he should be dead.[101][102][103] He made an MTV Movie Award-winning cameo appearance as himself in Scary Movie 3, where he sits in judgment during a battle rap (and is subsequently killed by gunfire for criticising the rappers). He appears in the DVD version of Shrek 2 as himself in Far Far Away Idol and also provided the voice.[104]

Cowell was once the fastest "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" on BBC's motoring show Top Gear, driving a Suzuki Liana around the show's test track in a time of 1:47.1. When Top Gear retired the Liana along with its rankings after the eighth series, Cowell was the eighth fastest overall and the third fastest non-professional driver. On 11 November 2007 Cowell yet again appeared on Top Gear, achieving a time of 1:45.9 thus putting him ahead of chef Gordon Ramsay and back at the top of the table.[105] His time of 1:45.9 was then tied with English rock singer Brian Johnson of AC/DC and Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud for the second fastest time, just 0.1 seconds behind Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay.[106] In March 2015, Cowell defended Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after he was suspended by the BBC for punching a colleague, with Cowell stating on Good Morning Britain: "He's apologised. But I think what is quite obvious is that the public are behind him, but you know, that's Jeremy."[107]

He appeared on an episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (the original British version) and Saturday Night Live in 2004. Cowell has also guest-starred (filling in for Regis Philbin) in the popular talk show Live with Regis and Kelly during American Idol's finalist week in early 2006. Cowell introduced entertainer Dick Clark at the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards. He was seen on the British charity telethon Comic Relief, appearing on Comic Relief Does The Apprentice where he donated £25,000 for a fun fair ticket. Cowell has also appeared on the MTV shows Cribs and Punk'd. On Punk'd, Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson set him up to believe his $400,000 Rolls-Royce was stolen and had caused an accident by using a nearly identical car.[108]

Cowell was a partner in the Royal Ascot Racing Club, a thoroughbred horse racing syndicate which owned the 2005 Epsom Derby winner, Motivator.[109] Cowell was chosen as the first subject of the re-launched This Is Your Life, in an episode broadcast on 2 June 2007. He was presented with the Red Book by Sir Trevor McDonald while presenting American Idol.[110]

On 1 July 2007, Cowell appeared as a speaker at the Concert for Diana (alongside Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest) held at Wembley Stadium, London, to celebrate the life of Princess Diana almost 10 years after her death.[111] Proceeds from the concert went to Diana's charities as well as to charities of which her sons Princes William and Harry are patrons.[111][112]

At the 2012 Pride of Britain Awards on 30 October, Cowell, along with Michael Caine, Elton John, Richard Branson and Stephen Fry, recited Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" in tribute to the 2012 British Olympic and Paralympics athletes.[113] In October 2013 Cowell took part in a fundraising event in Los Angeles in support of the Israeli Defense Forces. The event raised $20 million and Cowell made a personal donation of $150,000.[114]

To raise money for the families of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in London in June 2017 and for The London Community Foundation, Cowell arranged the recording and release of a charity single "Bridge over Troubled Water".[115] Cowell collaborated with a number of vocalists for the single, including Robbie Williams, Dua Lipa, Roger Daltrey and Rita Ora, and the song reached number one in the UK Singles Chart.[116]

Personal life

Cowell dated English presenter Terri Seymour from 2002 to 2008.[117] Cowell was engaged to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy from 2010 to 2011.[118] In 2013, Cowell allegedly began dating an American woman named Lauren Silverman. In July 2013, Silverman's husband and Cowell's friend, Andrew Silverman, filed for an at-fault divorce, citing adultery by his wife and naming Cowell as a co-respondent.[119] News of the divorce filing became public two weeks later, when it was widely reported that Silverman and Cowell were expecting a baby together.[120][121] Cowell said, "There are a lot of things I will eventually clear up when the time is right, but I really have to be sensitive because there's a lot of people's feelings involved here." The Silvermans released separate statements expressing concern for the well-being of their son during the divorce process.[122] In August 2013, the Silvermans settled their divorce out of court, enabling Cowell to avoid being called as a witness in the divorce proceedings.[123] He subsequently confirmed that Silverman was pregnant with his child, and she gave birth to their son Eric on 14 February 2014.[124][125] The couple confirmed their engagement in January 2022.[126]

In 2010, Cowell came out in support for then Conservative Party leader David Cameron for Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, writing in The Sun: "I believe he is the Prime Minister Britain needs at this time. He has substance and the stomach to navigate us through difficult times."[127][128] In 2013, Cowell contravened his previous statement about David Cameron. According to the interview while he has supported candidates, he has never voted in an election.[129] Cowell was in favour of the UK remaining in the EU in the 2016 EU referendum.[130]

In 2019, Cowell became a vegan after doctors advised him to change his diet for health reasons.[131] He was also named one of the wealthiest people in the UK by the Sunday Times Rich List, Cowell was worth £385 million in 2019.[132]

In 2020, Cowell announced he would be writing a seven-book series titled Wishfits with his son. The series is scheduled to launch in 2023.[133] On 8 August 2020, Cowell broke his back after he fell off his new electric motorcycle[134] which many press sources confused with an electric bike. The incident occurred while he was testing it at his home in Malibu, California. Cowell was taken to the hospital, where he underwent back surgery overnight.[135] After the accident, he began eating animal-based food again in order to "rebuild his strength".[136]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1987 Right to Reply Himself 1 episode
1989 Sale of the Century Contestant
1992 That's Life! Himself 1 episode
2001–2003 Pop Idol Judge Also producer
2002–2016 American Idol
2003 World Idol
American Juniors Guest Judge 1 episode
Mad TV Himself Season 9 Episode 3
Hollywood Squares Centre Square; 15 episodes
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Celebrity Contestant 1 episode
This Is Your Life Himself 2 episodes
The Luvvies TV special
2003, 2007 Top Gear Special guest; 3 episodes
2003–2022 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 16 episodes
2003–2011 The Oprah Winfrey Show Guest; 6 episodes
2004 Saturday Night Live Guest; 1 episode
The Sharon Osbourne Show
2004–2018 The X Factor UK Judge Also creator and producer
2004, 2010 The Simpsons Himself / Henry (voice) 2 episodes: "Smart & Smarter" and "Judge Me Tender"
2006 The X Factor: Battle of the Stars Judge
American Inventor Himself 1 episode; also producer
The Fairly OddParents Himself (voice) 1 episode: "Fairy Idol"
2007 Hey Paula Himself Guest; 1 episode
The Kylie Show TV special
2007, 2016 Family Guy Himself (voice) 3 episodes: "Stewie Kills Lois", "Lois Kills Stewie", and "Run, Chris, Run"
2007–present Britain's Got Talent Judge Also creator and producer
2008 Idol Guest Judge 1 episode
The Apprentice USA Himself Special guest; 1 episode
2009 Cheryl Cole's Night In TV special
2010–2011 Piers Morgan's Life Stories 2 episodes
2011 Susan Boyle: An Unlikely Superstar Documentary
2011–2013 The X Factor USA Judge Also creator and producer
2011–present America's Got Talent
2012 The X Factor Australia Guest Judge 1 episode
The Talent Show Story Himself 5 episodes
2015 The Late Late Show Hosting Hopeful 1 episode
2016, 2019 The One Show Himself Guest; 2 episodes
2018 Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas TV movie
2019 The X Factor: Celebrity Judge 1 series
Britain's Got Talent: The Champions
America's Got Talent: The Champions 2 seasons
2020 The X Factor: The Band 1 series
Canadian Family's Got Talent Guest Judge 2 episodes
2022 America's Got Talent: Extreme Judge 1 season
2023 America's Got Talent: All-Stars
2024 America's Got Talent: Fantasy League Upcoming series

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2003 Scary Movie 3 Himself Cameo
2004 Shrek 2 Himself (voice) "Far Far Away Idol " bonus segment
2013 One Direction: This Is Us Himself Uncredited, also producer
2016 Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Cameo
2017 Little Mix: Glory Days - The Documentary Documentary film
2020 Scoob! Himself (voice)

Awards and recognition

In 2004 and 2010, Time magazine named Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world.[1][2] In 2008 he received the Special Recognition Award (presented to him by Andrew Lloyd Webber) at the National Television Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall.[4] New Statesman listed Cowell at number 41 in a list of "50 People who Matter [in] 2010".[137] TV Guide named him at number 10 in their 2013 list of The 60 Nastiest Villains of All Time.[138]

In 2012, Cowell was featured in the BBC Radio 4 series The New Elizabethans to mark the diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. A panel of seven academics, journalists and historians named Cowell among the group of people in the UK "whose actions during the reign of Elizabeth II have had a significant impact on lives in these islands and given the age its character".[139] Cowell was announced to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 22 August 2018, in the Television category.[140]

Bibliography

References

  1. Poniewozik, James (26 April 2004). "The 2004 TIME 100: Simon Cowell", Time. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  2. Cannon, Nick (29 April 2010). "The 2010 TIME 100: Simon Cowell", Time. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  3. "The 100 most powerful people in British culture". The Daily Telegraph. 9 November 2016. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022.
  4. "The 2008 National TV Awards". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  5. "Simon Cowell to receive BAFTA Special Award". BAFTA.org. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  6. "Simon Cowell gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame". BBC News. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  7. "COWELL, Simon Phillip". Who's Who. Vol. 2015 (online Oxford University Press ed.). A & C Black. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  8. "Simon Cowell Biography". The Biography Channel UK / A&E Networks. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  9. "Simon Cowell's Mom Julie Cowell Has Died". people.com. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
  10. "Simon Cowell Biography (1959–)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  11. Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell, pg. 1–19, 2012
  12. "I'm So-Glad-My-Father-had-J-Factor-Says-Cowell". The Jewish Chronicle. 21 November 2008. p. 5.
  13. "Search for Prop Idol is on (From The Argus)". theargus.co.uk. 4 August 2004. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  14. Paula Hamilton (6 June 1996). Instructions Not Included. Michael Joseph. ISBN 071814077X.
  15. Chas Newkey-Burden (3 September 2009). Simon Cowell: The Unauthorised Biography. Michael O’Mara Books. ISBN 978-1-84317-390-8.
  16. Martin, Lara (30 April 2009). "Cowell 'got break cleaning 'Shining' axe'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 April 2009.
  17. Tom Bower (2012). Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell. Faber & Faber Non Fiction. ISBN 9780571299386.
  18. Mars M. Avelino (2011). Success: The Road to Happiness Or Downfall. Xlibris Corporation. p. 81. ISBN 9781456809324.
  19. Simon Cowell (29 April 2004). I Don't Mean to be Rude, But -. Ebury Press. pp. 62–63. ISBN 978-0091898281.
  20. Tom Bower (2012). Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell. Faber & Faber Non Fiction. ISBN 9780571299386.
  21. Ian Burrell (23 October 2011). "Simon Cowell: Idol rich".
  22. Debbie Foy (2011). Simon Cowell: Global Music Mogul. PowerKids Press. ISBN 9781448832903.
  23. Hammond, Pete (20 July 2015). Get Down Here Quick and Mix Yourself a Hit: Mixmaster - My Story. G2 Rights.
  24. "A Journey Through Stock Aitken Waterman: Ep 60: One Thing Leads To Another to Another Night on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  25. David Nolan (2 September 2010). Simon Cowell – The Man Who Changed the World. John Blake. ISBN 978-1844549870.
  26. Chas Newkey-Burden (10 October 2009). Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography. Michael O' Mara Books. ISBN 9781843174455.
  27. Shaina C. Indovino (2014). Simon Cowell: From the Mailroom to Idol Fame. Mason Crest. ISBN 9781422293577.
  28. Stephen Thomas Erlewine. "Robson & Jerome". Allmusic.
  29. Chas Newkey-Burden (10 October 2009). Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography. Michael O' Mara Books. ISBN 9781843174455.
  30. Jon Kutner (26 May 2010). 1000 UK Number One Hits. Omnibus Press. ISBN 9780857123602.
  31. Ross McG (17 June 2015). "What was the biggest selling album in 1995 Britpop Britain? The answer may surprise you". Metro.
  32. Chas Newkey-Burden (10 October 2009). Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography. ISBN 9781843174455.
  33. Simon Cowell (29 April 2004). I Don't Mean to be Rude, But -. Ebury Press. p. 99. ISBN 978-0091898281.
  34. David Nolan (2 September 2010). Simon Cowell - The Man Who Changed the World. John Blake. ISBN 978-1844549870.
  35. "The scribbled note that changed TV". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  36. "ITV: Simon Cowell Talks Strong Ties With Brit Broadcaster". Variety. 7 April 2015.
  37. "Will Young has biggest selling single of the decade". The Daily Telegraph. 1 January 2009. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022.
  38. Owen, Rob (26 June 2002). "TV Preview: 'American Idol' thrives on harsh sniping". Post-gazette.com. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  39. "When Will I Be Famous?". BBC. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  40. "Simon Cowell and The Talent Show Story - British Television". Bella Online. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  41. Ram, Vidya (3 December 2008). "Knut: Get Dancing, Says Max Clifford". Forbes. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  42. Debbie Foy (15 January 2011). Simon Cowell: Global Music Mogul. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. p. 23. ISBN 9781448832903.
  43. Trevor Clawson (2010). The Unauthorized Guide to Doing Business the Simon Cowell Way: 10 Secrets of the International Music Mogul. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. pp. 79–80. ISBN 9780857081476.
  44. "Story – Entertainment". Calgary Herald. 25 October 2009. Archived from the original on 31 May 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  45. "The Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network: Oprah Presents: American Idol's Simon Cowell, Cowell's Il Divo & Our Diva Joss Stone". Ruggedelegantliving.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  46. "Simon Cowell to Leave American Idol.", from the BBC.
  47. "Fox Gets X Factor, Cowell Quits Idol" Archived 4 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  48. John Williams. "CANOE – JAM! Music – Artists – One Direction : One Direction storms N.A. charts". Jam.canoe.ca. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
  49. Williams, Paul. "One Direction in US chart-topping first". Music Week. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
  50. "Music business magazine – One Direction to hold global Twitter viewing party for new concert DVD". Music Week. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  51. "One Direction Live DVD Hits No.1 in 25 Countries | The Official Sony Music Ireland Site". Sonymusic.ie. Archived from the original on 29 October 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  52. Leona Lewis Makes Big Splash Atop Billboard 200 Billboard. Retrieved 12 April 2012
  53. Leona Lewis – Music Lounge ABC. Retrieved 12 April 2012 Archived 12 December 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  54. "X Factor 2008: Cheryl Cole WILL Replace Sharon Osbourne!". Unrealitytv.co.uk. 10 June 2008. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  55. "Cheryl Cole joins 'The X Factor'". Digital Spy. 10 June 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  56. Caulfield, Keith (20 March 2012). "One Direction Makes History With No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  57. One Direction's 'What Makes You Beautiful' wins fastest-selling No.1 of 2011 Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 April 2012
  58. Sturges, Fiona (15 June 2019). "'Little Mix: 'How dare they accuse us of trying to be sexual!'". The Independent. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  59. Chris Martins. "L.A. Reid on Fifth Harmony: 'They've Become the Biggest Girl Band in the World'". Billboard. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  60. Newsdesk. "Fifth Harmony break incredible girl group record". Pressparty. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  61. Jason Lipshutz (7 March 2016). "FIFTH HARMONY TIES HIGHEST HOT 100 PEAK WITH 'WORK FROM HOME'". fuse. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  62. "Axed: The X Factor". TV Tonight. 29 January 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  63. "Sony confirms Cowell, Green venture". Digital Spy. 19 January 2010. Retrieved 18 March 2010.
  64. "Cowell confirms start date for US 'X Factor'". Digital Spy. 20 January 2010. Retrieved 18 March 2010.
  65. It’s Official: Simon Won’t Be X Factor Judge MTV. Retrieved 19 April 2012
  66. New X Factor role for Simon Cowell Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 19 April 2012
  67. Fletcher, Alex (18 October 2010). "ITV signs new 'X Factor', 'BGT' deals". Digital Spy. Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  68. "Simon Cowell signs new ITV deal: 'X Factor', 'BGT' for three more years". Digital Spy. 15 November 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  69. Leigh, Rob (13 October 2013). "X Factor new judges: Simon Cowell 'to replace Gary Barlow as X Factor judge' according to bookies". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  70. "Simon Cowell is coming home to UK X Factor: Judge return confirmed". Digital Spy. 7 February 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  71. Denham, Jess (15 December 2014). "X Factor winner Ben Haenow topped public vote for past seven weeks – see voting breakdown". The Independent. United Kingdom. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  72. "Simon Cowell To Be A Judge On 'The X Factor Israel'". Deadline. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  73. Spiro, Amy (30 May 2021). "Simon Cowell Cancels 'X Factor Israel' Appearance". Variety. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  74. Gunter, Barrie (2014). I Want to Change My Life: Can Reality TV Competition Shows Trigger Lasting Career Success?. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 12.
  75. "Breaking News – Nbc'S Smash Hit Series 'America'S Got Talent' Heats Up The Summer!". TheFutonCritic.com. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  76. "Lifestyle – Britain's Got Talent star Shaheen Jafargholi 'destined for fame'". WalesOnline. 31 May 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  77. "Britains Got Talent, Susan Boyle". Entertainment.oneindia.in. 7 June 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  78. "Simon Cowell Signs New Five-Year Deal With Britain's ITV". Variety. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  79. "Simon Cowell's 'Got Talent' confirmed as world's most successful reality TV format". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  80. "Look Who's Coming To AGT!". NBC. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  81. "Simon Cowell To Take Full Control Of 'Got Talent' Producer Syco Entertainment, Buys Out Sony Music's Stake". Deadline. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  82. "ABC to debut Simon Cowell's 'American Inventor' series on March 16". Reality TV World. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  83. "Simon Cowell Searches for the Next Great Invention". ABC News. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  84. Shales, Tom (16 March 2006). "Article: 'Inventor': A Painful Contraption – The Washington Post". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  85. "Janusz Liberkowski crowned the winner of ABC's 'American Inventor'". Reality TV World. 19 May 2006. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  86. "Stars Sign Up for Simon Cowell's 'Celebrity Duets'". Fox News. 16 August 2006. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  87. "Simon Cowell Signs Little Richard as Judge for 'Celebrity Duets' – Television, TV, Online, Shows". Fox News. 18 August 2006. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  88. "I slipped up on Grease, admits Cowell". Evening Standard. UK. 18 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 May 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
  89. Hanna, Aoife (19 December 2018). "When Is The Greatest Dancer On TV? The BBC's New Competition Is Starting So Soon". Bustle. United States: Bustle Digital Group. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  90. Warner, Sam (23 February 2019). "The Greatest Dancer will return for a second series on BBC One". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  91. "Lights, Camera ... Talent! Citytv and Breakfast Television Count Down to AGT Premiere with Canadian Family's Got Talent Contest, April 27 to May 26". Rogers. 27 April 2020.
  92. "Simon Cowell's Charity Work, Events and Causes". Looktothestars.org. Retrieved 18 March 2010.
  93. "Simon Cowell becomes patron of children's hospice charity". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 25 August 2015
  94. "Manchester Dogs' Home: Simon Cowell 'pledges £25,000' ". BBC. Retrieved 15 August 2015
  95. "Sir Simon Cowell?". mtv.co.uk. 18 May 2010. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
  96. "£15,305,212 raised by BBC Children in Need so far...". BBC. Retrieved 25 August 2015
  97. "Simon Cowell gets entry in Who's Who". BBC Online. BBC. 6 December 2010. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  98. "Pop Idol's Cowell joins Simpsons". BBC News. 19 February 2004. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  99. "Simpsons intimidate Simon Cowell". CBBC Newsround. 18 October 2004. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  100. The Simpsons: Series 21 – 17. Judge Me Tender Radio Times. Retrieved 13 April 2012
  101. "Simon Cowell appears on an episode of Family Guy". Showbiz Spy – celebrity news, rumors & gossip. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014.
  102. Boedeker, Hal (1 May 2005). "FOX BRINGS BACK 'FAMILY GUY' ; AXED THREE YEARS AGO BY FOX, FAMILY GUY GETS[...]". Orlando Sentinel.
  103. "Listings – FAMILY GUY on FOX". TheFutonCritic.com. 11 November 2007. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  104. "Pop Idol – Cowell Plays Himself in Shrek 2 Singing Contest". contactmusic.com. 8 October 2004. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
  105. "Celebrity Laps". BBC Top Gear –. 16 October 2008. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
  106. "Celebrity Laps: Top Gear". BBC. 14 September 2015.
  107. "Simon Cowell backs Clarkson over BBC suspension". ITV.com. 14 September 2015.
  108. "Simon Cowell – Cowell Punk'D By Ashton". Contactmusic.com. 25 June 2005. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  109. "Will America forgive and forget?". ESPN. 22 January 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  110. "This Is Your Life (2007)". BFI. Archived from the original on 6 October 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  111. "What is the Concert for Diana?". BBC. 13 August 2015.
  112. Diana concert a 'perfect tribute' BBC News. Retrieved 12 April 2012
  113. "Britain's biggest stars record iconic poem 'If' as tribute to Olympic heroes". Yahoo.com. 10 November 2014.
  114. "Simon Cowell gives $150K to soldiers". The Times of Israel. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
  115. Lewis, Rebecca (20 June 2017). "Simon Cowell's Grenfell Tower charity single available from 8am on June 21". Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  116. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  117. Norman, Pete; Rubin, Courney (1 November 2008). "Simon Cowell Splits with Girlfriend". People. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  118. "Simon Cowell gives ex-fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy £5m house". The Independent. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  119. Ravitz, Justin (1 August 2013). "Simon Cowell Named in Friend's Angry Divorce Papers After Lauren Silverman Pregnancy News". US Weekly. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  120. Lee Hernandez (31 July 2013). "Simon Cowell Is Having a Baby with Lauren Silverman". People. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  121. Webber, Stephanie (1 August 2013). "Simon Cowell's Baby Mother, Lauren Silverman Debuts Baby Bump, Steps Out With Son". Us Weekly. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  122. Ravitz, Justin (1 August 2013). "Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman Break Silence on Pregnancy, Her Divorce". Us Weekly. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  123. "Simon Cowell avoids American divorce court appearance". BBC. 15 August 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  124. "Simon Cowell confirms he will be a father". BBC. 20 August 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  125. "Simon Cowell's girlfriend gives birth to a baby boy in New York". The Irish Independent. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  126. Mizoguchi, Karen (11 January 2022). "Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Are Engaged: 'They Are Both Super Happy,' Says Source". people.com. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  127. "General Election 2010: David Cameron backed by Simon Cowell". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  128. "Conservatives get a 'yes' from Simon Cowell". The Hollywood Reporter. 5 May 2010. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  129. Dean, Sarah (12 April 2013). "'I've Never Voted in an Election'". Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  130. "The celebrities that support Brexit (and the ones backing Remain)". The Independent. 23 March 2019.
  131. "Simon Cowell Says He's Going Vegan". VegNews.com. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  132. Mee, Emily (14 May 2019). "Who made the Sunday Times Rich List this year?". Sky News. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
  133. "Simon Cowell children's series delayed until 2023 owing to workload and pandemic". The Bookseller. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  134. "Simon Cowell Did Not Fall Off an E-Bike". 11 August 2020.
  135. "Simon Cowell injures back while testing electric bicycle". AP NEWS. 9 August 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  136. Agate, Samantha (26 October 2020). "Simon Cowell Ditches Vegan Diet To 'Rebuild His Strength' But For What?". Talent Recap.
  137. "41. Simon Cowell – 50 People Who Matter 2010". Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  138. Bretts, Bruce; Roush, Matt; (25 March 2013). "Baddies to the Bone: The 60 nastiest villains of all time". TV Guide. pp. 14 – 15.
  139. "The New Elizabethans – Simon Cowell". BBC. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  140. "Simon Cowell to Be Honored With Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame". www.msn.com. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.