Simon Cowell

Simon Phillip Cowell (ˈkaʊəl) (born 7 October 1959) is an English reality television judge and producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is most recognised as a judge on the British TV talent competition series Pop Idol, The X Factor, and Britain's Got Talent, and the American TV talent competition shows American Idol, The X Factor, and America's Got Talent. Cowell is the principal founder and chief executive of the British entertainment company Syco. As a judge, Cowell often makes blunt and controversial comments, 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 singles and albums for various singers that he has taken under his wing. He is currently appearing on the eleventh Series of Britain's Got Talent and, recently, the thirteenth series of UK's The X Factor along with the eleventh series of America's Got Talent. In 2004 and 2010, Time named Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2008 The Daily Telegraph ranked him sixth in their list of the "100 most powerful people in British culture".