Simon Cowell went from an unknown record company worker to one of the most influential people in show business. The British producer and TV star has created a huge empire for himself and has been the star judge on several talent shows. The talent shows brought Simon a different kind of audience, and his unique, often brutally honest approach has proven rather popular.
Maybe that’s one of the reasons why he’s made so much money, and we’re talking a lot of money. In fact, Simon Cowell’s been paid millions and millions of dollars over the years, with new reports highlighting just how much he made per season of American Idol
Simon Cowell got his own job in after he dropped out of school. His father was able to hire him as an assistant at record label EMI, where his responsibilities were to find new talent and develop artists. As he moved up the ladder at EMI, he went on to start two music labels of his own, though these didn’t achieve any level of success. He moved back home to live with his parents; something that could’ve broken anyone. For Simon Cowell, though, it was a “relief”.
“Everything went – my house, my Porsche, all the things I thought were important,” he explained. “I had nice
every night at home. I was quite happy, really.”
Cowell started over and founded S Records Label, to which he signed boybands like 5ive and Westlife. He also signed artist Jerome, who recorded the Righteous Brothers’ hit Unchained Melody in 1995. It turned out to be a top-selling single. However, it was through talent shows that Simon himself would rise to fame.
“My talent is for creating things the public will like,” he explained. “I’m interested only in making money, for myself and the people I work for. I mean, that’s absolutely the only criterion I attach.”
In 2001, the world of entertainment would witness the birth of a new entity. Together with Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, Simon Cowell created the program Pop Idol, on which he starred as a judge. The show became a smash hit among the viewers, and Simon became a mega-celebrity overnight.
The first season finale – which Kelly Clarkson won – attracted more than 26 million viewers, and Simon quickly understood that there was a huge amount of money to be made here. He decided to release special American Idol-themed records, with Simon Fuller owning and being in charge of the show, as well as managing the winners.
Simon was transformed into a multi-millionaire in just a couple of years. The talent shows, including X Factor and America’s Got Talent, generated huge amounts of money for him, as well as other record companies, and in 2006, he landed a new deal.
Cowell remained a judge on American Idol for another five years – and this made him a great amount of money.
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