On October 7, 1959, one of modern music’s most influential producers was born. Simon Cowell, like the late Dick Clark, has dominated the reality television airwaves for decades. Can you name the successful shows Simon has created?
Simon is a TV personality, entrepreneur, and record executive from England. However, he is best known for creating the ‘The X Factor’ and ‘Got Talent’ franchises, which have global broadcasts.
His first notable TV appearance was as a judge on ‘Pop Idol,’ the British predecessor to ‘American Idol.’ He’s also appeared as a judge on ‘The X Factor UK,’ ‘Britain’s Got Talent,’ and the American versions of those shows.
He founded the British entertainment company ‘Syco,’ which is responsible for all of his television and recording projects. Simon began his career as a record producer and talent scout in the 1980s and 1990s. Simon rose to prominence in 2001 as a result of his brutally honest judging of talent on Britain’s ‘Pop Idol.’
Simon was named to Time magazine’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2004 and again in 2010. ‘The Daily Telegraph’ ranked Simon sixth on their list of the ‘100 Most Powerful People in British Culture’ in 2008.
Simon’s success in the United Kingdom led to his first stint as a judge on ‘American Idol’ in 2002. America despised him for his harsh evaluations of the show’s contestants. Simon appeared heartless when judging the amateur singers’ abilities.
He’s softened his demeanor and even displayed heart and emotion over the years, endearing himself to the public. In 2018, he was honored with a star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame,’ confirming his influence in American entertainment.
