Simon Cowell

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Biography

  • Full Name: Simon Philip Cowell
  • Birth Name: Simon Cowell
  • Birth Place: Brighton, England
  • Birth Date: October 7, 1959
Simon Philip Cowell was born on October 7, 1959.  Dropping out of school at 17; Simon took a few menial jobs, but did not get along well with co-workers and bosses, until his father, an executive at the recording giant EMI Music Publishing, got him a job in the mail room. He worked his way up to record producer, but left during the early 1980s to form E&S Music, an independent music company. However his work with E&S and attempts to form subsequent labels landed Cowell in bankruptcy in 1989, leaving him deep in debt and forcing him, at 30, to move back home with his parents. Along with fellow EMI clerk Iain Burton Cowell formed an independent record label called Fanfare Records. He later regained success after teaming up with Peter Waterman, starting with his first act, singer Sinitta Malone.  His success continued with Curiosity Killed the Cate, Sonia, 5ive, record-setting UK chart-toppers Westlife, and surprise actors-turned-singers Robson & Jerome. 

Simon became a judge on the first season of the British reality show “Pop Idol” in 2001, and did the same for “American Idol” in 2002, where his acerbic style of judging was a major reason for both shows’ success. Simon’s fame (or infamy) grew, fed by his deliberately insincere signature phrase, "I don't mean to be rude, but …", inevitably followed by an unsparing denigration of the contestant's talents, personality, or even physical appearance. In 2003, Simon placed #33 on Channel 4’s list of the all-time 100 Worst Britons, perhaps due to some people perceiving him as spiteful and arrogant.

In 2004, Simon created and was a judge on the then new British TV talent show “The X Factor.”  He was sued by “Pop Idol” creator Simon Fuller in 2005 over “The X Factor,” saying it was too much a copy of “Pop Idol,” but after a while, they settled out of court. The case was adjourned on the first day, and settled with Simon’s “Idol” salary increased to $36 million a year from $8 million before while Simon Fuller would gain a minority stake in “X Factor.” Upon the settlement, Simon signed a new five-season “American Idol” agreement.

Cowell appeared as a guest voice in an episode of “The Simpsons,” in which he gets beaten up by Homer (while criticizing Homer's punches).

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