Simon Cowell#Personal life

Simon Phillip Cowell was born on 7 October 1959{{Who's Who | title=COWELL, Simon Phillip | id = U250704 | volume = 2015 | edition = online Oxford University Press}}{{cite web | url = http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/simon-cowell.html | title = Simon Cowell Biography | publisher = The Biography Channel UK / A&E Networks | access-date = 24 September 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927103734/http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/simon-cowell.html | archive-date = 27 September 2013}} in Lambeth, London, and raised in Elstree, Hertfordshire. His mother, Julie Brett (née Josie Dalglish, 1925–2015),{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/article/simon-cowell-mom-julie-cowell-dead|title=Simon Cowell's Mom Julie Cowell Has Died |work=People|access-date=4 September 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/44/Simon-Cowell.html|title=Simon Cowell Biography (1959–)|publisher=Filmreference.com|access-date=14 December 2009}} Cowell's father was from a mostly Jewish family (his own mother was born in Poland),Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell, pg. 1–19, 2012 though he did not discuss his ancestry with his children. Cowell's mother was from a Christian background.{{cite news|title=I'm So-Glad-My-Father-had-J-Factor-Says-Cowell|page=5|publisher=The Jewish Chronicle|date=21 November 2008|url=http://www.interfaithfamily.com/arts_and_entertainment/popular_culture/Interfaith_Celebrities_Some_Single_Some_Scary_Some_Golden.shtml}} He has a younger brother, Nicholas Cowell; three half brothers, John, Tony, and Michael Cowell; and a half sister, June Cowell.{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/archive/2004/08/04/The+Argus+Archive/6712923.Search_for_Prop_Idol_is_on/ |title=Search for Prop Idol is on (From The Argus) |publisher=theargus.co.uk |date=4 August 2004 |access-date=3 October 2019}}

Cowell attended Radlett Preparatory School, Licensed Victuallers' School in Ascot for one year,{{cite book|title=Instructions Not Included|author=Paula Hamilton|publisher=Michael Joseph|date=6 June 1996|isbn=071814077X}} 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.{{cite book|date=3 September 2009|author=Chas Newkey-Burden|isbn=978-1-84317-390-8|title=Simon Cowell: The Unauthorised Biography|publisher=Michael O'Mara Books|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/simoncowellunaut0000newk}} Cowell took a few menial jobs—including, according to his brother Tony,{{cite news|author=Martin, Lara|date=30 April 2009|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a154489/cowell-got-break-cleaning-shining-axe.html|title=Cowell 'got break cleaning 'Shining' axe'|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=30 April 2009}} 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.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2sR1LAf4lhgC&pg=PT30 |title=Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell|author=Tom Bower |publisher=Faber & Faber Non Fiction |date=2012|isbn=9780571299386 }}

In the early 1980s, Cowell left EMI to form E&S Music with his former boss at EMI but quit in 1983.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8LnbfHOM-DIC&pg=PA81 |title=Success: The Road to Happiness Or Downfall|author= Mars M. Avelino |page=81 |year=2011|publisher=Xlibris Corporation |isbn=9781456809324}} He then formed Fanfare Records with Iain Burton, initially selling exercise videos, and music from acts such as the Italian orchestra Rondò Veneziano.{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/idontmeantoberud0000cowe |url-access=registration |title=I Don't Mean to be Rude, But -|author= Simon Cowell |pages=[https://archive.org/details/idontmeantoberud0000cowe/page/62 62]–63 |publisher=Ebury Press|date=29 April 2004|isbn= 978-0091898281 }}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2sR1LAf4lhgC&pg=PT32 |title=Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell|author=Tom Bower |publisher=Faber & Faber Non Fiction |date=2012|isbn=9780571299386 }} 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/simon-cowell-idol-rich-1820378.html |title= Simon Cowell: Idol rich|author= Ian Burrell |date= 23 October 2011 }}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=stZJk48d7UMC&pg=PA1995 |title=Simon Cowell: Global Music Mogul|author= Debbie Foy |publisher=PowerKids Press |year=2011 |isbn=9781448832903 }} 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.{{Cite book |last=Hammond |first=Pete |url=https://www.amazon.com.au/Get-Down-Here-Quick-Yourself-ebook/dp/B01248ASGG |title=Get Down Here Quick and Mix Yourself a Hit: Mixmaster – My Story |date=20 July 2015 |publisher=G2 Rights |language=English}}{{Cite web |title=A Journey Through Stock Aitken Waterman: Ep 60: One Thing Leads To Another to Another Night on Apple Podcasts |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-60-one-thing-leads-to-another-to-another-night/id1565879477?i=1000627362600 |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-AU}} Amid the company's implosion Cowell nearly became bankrupt.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gZc4AAAAQBAJ&pg=PT28 |title=Simon Cowell – The Man Who Changed the World|author= David Nolan |publisher=John Blake |date=2 September 2010 |isbn=978-1844549870}}

He then worked with BMG as an A&R consultant and set up S Records under BMG.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wh_dAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT30 |title=Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography| author=Chas Newkey-Burden |publisher= Michael O' Mara Books|isbn=9781843174455 |date=10 October 2009}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XXrTBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT25 |title=Simon Cowell: From the Mailroom to Idol Fame|author=Shaina C. Indovino |publisher=Mason Crest |year= 2014 |isbn=9781422293577 }} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/robson-jerome-mn0000640522/biography |title=Robson & Jerome |author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |work=Allmusic}} 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.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wh_dAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT36 |title=Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography| author=Chas Newkey-Burden |publisher= Michael O' Mara Books|isbn=9781843174455 |date=10 October 2009}} 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.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BwwLBaH9488C&pg=PT933 |title=1000 UK Number One Hits|author= Jon Kutner |publisher=Omnibus Press |date=26 May 2010 |isbn=9780857123602 }} It became the best-selling single of 1995 (their next release, "I Believe"/"Up on the Roof", was the third-best selling single), and their self-titled album released later in the year also became the best-selling album of 1995.{{cite news |url=http://metro.co.uk/2015/06/17/what-was-the-biggest-selling-album-in-1995-britpop-britain-the-answer-may-surprise-you-5250259/ |title=What was the biggest selling album in 1995 Britpop Britain? The answer may surprise you |author=Ross McG |date= 17 June 2015 |work=Metro}} They released another album and two more singles before disbanding, and sold 7 million albums and 5 million singles in total.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wh_dAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT37 |title=Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography| author=Chas Newkey-Burden |isbn=9781843174455 |date=10 October 2009|publisher=Michael O'Mara Books }} According to Cowell, they made him his first million.{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/idontmeantoberud0000cowe |url-access=registration |title=I Don't Mean to be Rude, But -|author= Simon Cowell |page=[https://archive.org/details/idontmeantoberud0000cowe/page/99 99] |publisher=Ebury Press|date=29 April 2004|isbn= 978-0091898281 }} Later acts he signed included Five, Westlife and Teletubbies.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gZc4AAAAQBAJ&pg=PT36 |title=Simon Cowell - The Man Who Changed the World|author= David Nolan |publisher=John Blake |date=2 September 2010 |isbn=978-1844549870}}

{{Main|Idol (franchise)}}

{{Quote box|width=31%|align=right|quote="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".|source = — "The scribbled note that changed TV", by Maggie Brown in The Guardian, October 2009.{{cite news |title=The scribbled note that changed TV |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/oct/26/x-factor-cowell-fuller |access-date=4 October 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian}}}}

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.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/spotlight/itv-simon-cowell-talks-strong-ties-with-brit-broadcaster-1201467913/|title=ITV: Simon Cowell Talks Strong Ties With Brit Broadcaster|publisher=Variety|date=7 April 2015}} Maggie Brown in The Guardian states, "the show became a seminal reality/entertainment format once on air that autumn". 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/6917900/Will-Young-has-biggest-selling-single-of-the-decade.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/6917900/Will-Young-has-biggest-selling-single-of-the-decade.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Will Young has biggest selling single of the decade |date=1 January 2009 |work=The Daily Telegraph }}{{cbignore}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/tv/20020626idol3.asp|title=TV Preview: 'American Idol' thrives on harsh sniping|publisher=Post-gazette.com|date=26 June 2002|access-date=14 December 2009| first=Rob| last=Owen}} 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.{{cite news |title=When Will I Be Famous? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/whenwillibefamous/funstuff/trivia.shtml |access-date=26 January 2022 |agency=BBC}} 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.{{cite news |title=Record Executive Simon Cowell |url=https://www.npr.org/2004/01/15/1599637/record-executive-simon-cowell |access-date=12 June 2024 |publisher=NPR}} A lot of these one-liners were the product of coaching that Cowell received from publicist Max Clifford.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/12/03/knut-clifford-reputation-markets-face-cx_vr_1203autofacescan02.html|title=Knut: Get Dancing, Says Max Clifford|work=Forbes|date= 3 December 2008|access-date=14 December 2009|first=Vidya|last=Ram}} 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.{{cite news |title=Pop go the world 'Idols' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-27-et-lloyd27-story.html |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite news |title=Idols taking on the world |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music/idols-taking-on-the-world-1159045 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=Manchester Evening News}}

Cowell formed a new company, Syco, in 2005.{{cite book |url= https://archive.org/details/simoncowellgloba0000foyd |url-access= registration |title=Simon Cowell: Global Music Mogul|publisher= The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc |author=Debbie Foy |page=[https://archive.org/details/simoncowellgloba0000foyd/page/23 23] |isbn=9781448832903|date=15 January 2011}} The company is divided into three units: Syco Music, Syco TV and Syco Film.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3GksswCIzGEC&pg=PA80 |title=The Unauthorized Guide to Doing Business the Simon Cowell Way: 10 Secrets of the International Music Mogul|author= Trevor Clawson |pages=79–80 |year=2010 |publisher=John Wiley and Sons Ltd |isbn= 9780857081476 }} Cowell returned to music with his latest brainchild signed to Syco, the internationally successful operatic pop group Il Divo,{{cite web|url=https://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/Simon+Cowell+Divo+rejuvenated+ready/1630697/story.html |title=Story – Entertainment |work=Calgary Herald|date=25 October 2009 |access-date=14 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531072133/http://www.calgaryherald.com/entertainment/Simon%2BCowell%2BDivo%2Brejuvenated%2Bready/1630697/story.html |archive-date=31 May 2009 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.ruggedelegantliving.com/a/003557.html|title=The Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network: Oprah Presents: American Idol's Simon Cowell, Cowell's Il Divo & Our Diva Joss Stone|publisher=Ruggedelegantliving.com|access-date=14 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221025303/http://www.ruggedelegantliving.com/a/003557.html|archive-date=21 December 2009}} consisting of three opera singers and one pop singer of four different nationalities. Inspired by the success of Il Divo, Cowell created a child version, Angelis, made up of six 11 to 14 year-olds from choirs across the UK, with their debut album released in November 2006.{{cite news |title=Angelis - is this the group to tame TV's Mr Nasty? |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/angelis-is-this-the-group-to-tame-tvs-mr-nasty-7212999.html|access-date=15 May 2024 |work=Evening Standard}}

On 11 January 2010, Cowell's exit from American Idol was made official. One year after Cowell left American Idol, the show eventually completed eight consecutive seasons of leadership amongst all primetime programmes in the United States, marking the longest annual winning streak in the ratings in U.S. television history. 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.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8453267.stm "Simon Cowell to Leave American Idol."], from the BBC.[http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/01/simon-cowell-quits-american-idol-.html "Fox Gets X Factor, Cowell Quits Idol"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604023016/http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/01/simon-cowell-quits-american-idol-.html |date=4 June 2010 }}.

{{See also|The X Factor (British TV series)|l1=The X Factor}}

File:Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell.jpg 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.

File:One Direction at the Logies Awards 2012.jpg signed to Cowell's record label after been the last contestant eliminated 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.{{cite web|author=John Williams|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/O/One_Direction/2012/03/21/19531441.html|title=CANOE – JAM! Music – Artists – One Direction : One Direction storms N.A. charts|publisher=Jam.canoe.ca|access-date=22 March 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715093804/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/O/One_Direction/2012/03/21/19531441.html|archive-date=15 July 2012}}{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Paul|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1048901&c=1|title=One Direction in US chart-topping first|publisher=Music Week|access-date=22 March 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1049754|title=Music business magazine – One Direction to hold global Twitter viewing party for new concert DVD|publisher=Music Week|date=30 May 2012|access-date=11 June 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://sonymusic.ie/news/one-direction-live-dvd-hits-no1-25-countries |title=One Direction Live DVD Hits No. 1 in 25 Countries {{pipe}} The Official Sony Music Ireland Site |publisher=Sonymusic.ie |access-date=11 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029125815/http://sonymusic.ie/news/one-direction-live-dvd-hits-no1-25-countries |archive-date=29 October 2012 }}]]

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.[http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045852/leona-lewis-makes-big-splash-atop-billboard-200 Leona Lewis Makes Big Splash Atop Billboard 200] Billboard. Retrieved 12 April 2012[http://abc.go.com/music-lounge/artist/leona-lewis/346117 Leona Lewis – Music Lounge] ABC. Retrieved 12 April 2012 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212133333/http://abc.go.com/music-lounge/artist/leona-lewis/346117 |date=12 December 2011 }} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/x-factor-2008-cheryl-cole-will-replace-sharon-osbourne/|title=X Factor 2008: Cheryl Cole WILL Replace Sharon Osbourne!|work=Unrealitytv.co.uk|date=10 June 2008|access-date=14 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207082555/http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/x-factor-2008-cheryl-cole-will-replace-sharon-osbourne/|archive-date=7 February 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a99134/cheryl-cole-joins-the-x-factor.html |title=Cheryl Cole joins 'The X Factor'|work=Digital Spy|date=10 June 2008|access-date=14 December 2009}} 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 been the last contestant eliminated 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.{{cite magazine|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|title=One Direction Makes History With No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200 |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/499420/one-direction-makes-history-with-no-1-debut-on-billboard-200 |magazine=Billboard|date=20 March 2012|access-date=21 March 2012}}[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a340993/one-directions-what-makes-you-beautiful-wins-fastest-selling-no1-of-2011.html One Direction's 'What Makes You Beautiful' wins fastest-selling No. 1 of 2011] Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 April 2012 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.{{cite web |first=Fiona |last=Sturges |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/little-mix-interview-perrie-new-album-lm6-simon-cowell-piers-morgan-a8957431.html |title='Little Mix: 'How dare they accuse us of trying to be sexual!' |work=The Independent |date=15 June 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019}}

File:Fifth Harmony.jpg signed to Cowell's record label after bren the last contestant eliminated on the American X Factor in 2012 and were mentored by him while becoming another of his successful contestants.{{cite magazine|author=Chris Martins|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/magazine-feature/7356898/la-reid-on-fifth-harmony-success-new-album-future|title=L.A. Reid on Fifth Harmony: 'They've Become the Biggest Girl Band in the World'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=5 September 2017}}{{cite web|author=Newsdesk|url=http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/FifthHarmony/view/156351/|title=Fifth Harmony break incredible girl group record|publisher=Pressparty|access-date=5 September 2017}}{{cite web|author=Jason Lipshutz|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2016/03/fifth-harmony-work-from-home-chart-debut|title=FIFTH HARMONY TIES HIGHEST HOT 100 PEAK WITH 'WORK FROM HOME'|publisher=fuse|date=7 March 2016|access-date=5 September 2017}}]]

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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/01/axed-the-x-factor.html|title=Axed: The X Factor|date=29 January 2017|work=TV Tonight|access-date=7 March 2017|language=en-AU}}

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,{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a197592/sony-confirms-cowell-green-venture.html|title=Sony confirms Cowell, Green venture|work=Digital Spy|date=19 January 2010|access-date=18 March 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a197970/cowell-confirms-start-date-for-us-x-factor.html|title=Cowell confirms start date for US 'X Factor'|work=Digital Spy|date=20 January 2010|access-date=18 March 2010}} 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,[https://www.mtv.co.uk/news/my82pv/its-official-simon-wont-be-x-factor-judge It's Official: Simon Won't Be X Factor Judge] MTV. Retrieved 19 April 2012 but he would remain a major presence backstage.[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/new-x-factor-role-for-simon-cowell-15144099.html New X Factor role for Simon Cowell] Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 19 April 2012 He was joined by Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and formerly Cheryl Cole. Cowell's contestant Melanie Amaro came first during season 1, 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 contestant into worldwide fame, the group Fifth Harmony.

Cowell returned for a third season of The X Factor in September 2013 alongside Demi Lovato, while Spears and L.A. Reid announced they would not be returning and were replaced by Paulina Rubio and Kelly Rowland. Cowell's last contestant Alex & Sierra won the season, marking Cowell's second season as the winning mentor after he came first with Melanie Amaro in 2011.{{cite web|last=Still|first=Jennifer|title=The X Factor USA: Grand finale|date=19 December 2013|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s141/the-x-factor-us/recaps/a539724/the-x-factor-usa-grand-finale-live-blog.html|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=17 May 2024 }}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a282815/itv-signs-new-x-factor-bgt-deals.html?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4cbcb4e68e741a0f%2C0|title=ITV signs new 'X Factor', 'BGT' deals|last=Fletcher|first=Alex|date=18 October 2010|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=18 October 2010}} On 15 November 2013, the three-year deal was extended by another three years, keeping it on air until 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a531498/simon-cowell-signs-new-itv-deal-x-factor-bgt-for-three-more-years.html |title=Simon Cowell signs new ITV deal: 'X Factor', 'BGT' for three more years|work=Digital Spy |date=15 November 2013 |access-date=15 February 2014}}

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.{{cite news|last=Leigh |first=Rob |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/x-factor-new-judges-simon-2367782 |title=X Factor new judges: Simon Cowell 'to replace Gary Barlow as X Factor judge' according to bookies|work=Daily Mirror|date=13 October 2013 |access-date=26 August 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a549821/simon-cowell-is-coming-home-to-uk-x-factor-judge-return-confirmed.html|title=Simon Cowell is coming home to UK X Factor: Judge return confirmed|work=Digital Spy |date=7 February 2014 |access-date=15 February 2014}} 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 26s 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/x-factor-winner-ben-haenow-topped-public-vote-for-past-seven-weeks--see-voting-breakdown-9924916.html|title=X Factor winner Ben Haenow topped public vote for past seven weeks – see voting breakdown|last=Denham|first=Jess|date=15 December 2014|work=The Independent|access-date=13 August 2015|location=United Kingdom}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/x-factor/11677454/Rita-Ora-and-Nick-Grimshaw-join-The-X-Factor.html|title=Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw join The X Factor|last=Hawksley|first=Rupert|date=16 June 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=16 May 2024}}

In December 2020 it was announced that Cowell will be a judge on The X Factor Israel in 2021.{{cite news |title=Simon Cowell To Be A Judge On 'The X Factor Israel'|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/simon-cowell-judge-the-x-factor-israel-1234661037/ |access-date=15 March 2021 |work=Deadline}} In late May 2021, Cowell announced he will be cancelling his appearance on the show in context of the Israeli aggression against Gaza.{{Cite web|last=Spiro|first=Amy|date=30 May 2021|title=Simon Cowell Cancels 'X Factor Israel' Appearance|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/global/simon-cowell-cancels-x-factor-israel-judge-1234984812/|access-date=31 May 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

{{main|America's Got Talent|Britain's Got Talent|Got Talent}}

File:Britain's Got Talent audtions set 2019-01-22.jpg 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. 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.{{cite book |last1=Gunter |first1=Barrie |title=I Want to Change My Life: Can Reality TV Competition Shows Trigger Lasting Career Success? |date=2014 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |page=12}} 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".{{cite news |title=Simon Cowell and The Talent Show Story – British Television |url=http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art43894.asp |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=Bella Online}}

Cowell is the executive producer of America's Got Talent,{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20090707nbc03|title=Breaking News – Nbc'S Smash Hit Series 'America'S Got Talent' Heats Up The Summer!|publisher=TheFutonCritic.com|date=7 July 2009|access-date=14 December 2009}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/2009/05/31/britian-s-got-talent-star-shaheen-destined-for-fame-91466-23752422/|title=Lifestyle – Britain's Got Talent star Shaheen Jafargholi 'destined for fame'|publisher=WalesOnline|access-date=14 December 2009|date=31 May 2009}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/music/international/2009/susan-signs-u2s-financial-080609.html|title=Britains Got Talent, Susan Boyle|publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in|date=7 June 2009|access-date=14 December 2009}} In December 2019, Cowell signed a five-year deal with ITV ensuring Britain's Got Talent will stay on the channel until 2024.{{cite news |title=Simon Cowell Signs New Five-Year Deal With Britain's ITV |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/simon-cowell-multiyear-deal-itv-got-talent-x-factor-1203433045/ |access-date=12 December 2019 |work=Variety}}

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."{{cite news |title=Simon Cowell's 'Got Talent' confirmed as world's most successful reality TV format |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2014/4/simon-cowells-got-talent-confirmed-as-worlds-most-successful-reality-tv-format-56587/ |access-date=27 May 2020 |agency=Guinness World Records}}

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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/6806078/cnco-la-banda-boy-band-finale|title=Hello CNCO! 'La Banda' Wraps Season With New Boy Band|last=Cobo|first=Leila|date=14 December 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=17 May 2024}}

Cowell was announced as the replacement for Howard Stern on America's Got Talent on 22 October 2015.{{cite web | url=http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent | title=Look Who's Coming To AGT! | publisher=NBC | access-date=29 October 2015}} On 15 July 2020, it was announced that Cowell had bought out Sony Music from their joint venture, Syco Entertainment.{{cite news |title=Simon Cowell To Take Full Control Of 'Got Talent' Producer Syco Entertainment, Buys Out Sony Music's Stake |url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/simon-cowell-syco-1202986249/ |access-date=18 July 2020 |work=Deadline}}

File:Simon Cowell with a Norwood service user (cropped).jpg

On 16 March 2006, American Inventor debuted on ABC. Cowell co-produced the show with British entrepreneur Peter Jones, who had devised the concept.{{cite web|url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/abc-debut-simon-cowell-american-inventor-series-on-march-16-3972.php|title=ABC to debut Simon Cowell's 'American Inventor' series on March 16|work=Reality TV World|access-date=14 December 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Story?id=3249328&page=1|title=Simon Cowell Searches for the Next Great Invention|publisher=ABC News|date=6 June 2007|access-date=14 December 2009}} Having a similar format to the BBC's Dragons' Den, a show on which Jones was one of the investors, 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,{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-109681.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103005428/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-109681.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2012|title=Article: 'Inventor': A Painful Contraption – The Washington Post|date=16 March 2006|access-date=14 December 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post |last1=Shales |first1=Tom }}{{cite web|url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/janusz-liberkowski-crowned-winner-of-abc-american-inventor-reality-show-4150.php|title=Janusz Liberkowski crowned the winner of ABC's 'American Inventor'|work=Reality TV World|date=19 May 2006|access-date=14 December 2009}} received $1 million and the opportunity to develop his idea into a business. The show returned in 2007 for a second season.{{cite news|last=Howard|first=Theresa|title=Maidenform launches the Breakthrough Backless bra|url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2008-04-06-backlessbra_N.htm|newspaper=USA Today|date=April 6, 2008}}

In 2006, Cowell executive-produced Celebrity Duets, which was described as "an Idol show for Hollywood superstars".{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,208682,00.html|title=Stars Sign Up for Simon Cowell's 'Celebrity Duets' |publisher=Fox News|date=16 August 2006|access-date=14 December 2009}} The show was hosted by Wayne Brady, and its judges were Marie Osmond, Little Richard, and David Foster.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,209337,00.html|title=Simon Cowell Signs Little Richard as Judge for 'Celebrity Duets' – Television, TV, Online, Shows|publisher=Fox News|date=18 August 2006|access-date=14 December 2009}}

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."{{cite news |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23396758-i-slipped-up-on-grease-admits-cowell.do |title=I slipped up on Grease, admits Cowell |work=Evening Standard |location=UK |date=18 May 2007 |access-date=14 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530203640/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23396758-i-slipped-up-on-grease-admits-cowell.do |archive-date=30 May 2010 }}

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.{{cite web |title='X Factor' launch attracts 8.1m, peaks with 9.2m |website=Digital Spy |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a400343/x-factor-launch-attracts-81m-peaks-with-92m.html |access-date=19 August 2012|date=17 May 2024 }}

In 2013, Cowell, in partnership with YouTube, launched a video-sharing competition called The You Generation. In 2013, he was executive producer for ITV cookery series Food Glorious Food, which was hosted by Carol Vorderman. He did the same for the ITV game show Keep it in the Family, presented by Bradley Walsh in 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/nov/25/bradley-walsh-might-be-britains-greatest-gameshow-host|title=Bradley Walsh might be Britain's greatest gameshow host|work=The Guardian|last=Heritage|first=Stuart|date=25 November 2014|accessdate=18 May 2024}}

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.{{cite web |last=Hanna |first=Aoife |title=When Is The Greatest Dancer On TV? The BBC's New Competition Is Starting So Soon |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/when-is-the-greatest-dancer-on-tv-the-bbcs-new-competition-is-starting-so-soon-15546103 |work=Bustle |publisher=Bustle Digital Group |access-date=20 December 2018 |date=19 December 2018 |location=United States }} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a26487487/the-greatest-dancer-will-return-series-2-bbc-one/|title=The Greatest Dancer will return for a second series on BBC One|last=Warner|first=Sam|date=23 February 2019|website=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|access-date=23 June 2019}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://about.rogers.com/news-ideas/lights-camera-talent-citytv-and-breakfast-television-count-down-to-agt-premiere-with-canadian-familys-got-talent-contest-april-27-to-may-26/|title=Lights, Camera ... Talent! Citytv and Breakfast Television Count Down to AGT Premiere with Canadian Family's Got Talent Contest, April 27 to May 26|publisher=Rogers|date=27 April 2020}}

File:Simon Cowell.jpg held at the Royal Albert Hall, London in November 2006]]

Cowell has been involved in charity work for many years.{{cite web|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/511-simon-cowell|title=Simon Cowell's Charity Work, Events and Causes|publisher=Looktothestars.org|access-date=18 March 2010}} 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.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/6462770/Simon-Cowell-becomes-patron-of-childrens-hospice-charity.html "Simon Cowell becomes patron of children's hospice charity"]. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 25 August 2015 He donated money to Manchester Dogs' Home in England after it was hit by a large fire.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-29198676 "Manchester Dogs' Home: Simon Cowell 'pledges £25,000' "]. BBC. Retrieved 15 August 2015 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/simon-cowell/news/222163-sir-simon-cowell |title=Sir Simon Cowell? |publisher=mtv.co.uk |date=18 May 2010 |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606223853/http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/simon-cowell/news/222163-sir-simon-cowell |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}

In November 2003, Cowell appeared on the BBC's charity telethon Children in Need where viewers pledged thousands to see him get sawn in half.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/11_november/22/cin_2003_totals.shtml "£15,305,212 raised by BBC Children in Need so far..."]. BBC. Retrieved 25 August 2015 In December 2003, he published his autobiography titled I Don't Mean to be Rude, but.... In it, he told 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11928679|title=Simon Cowell gets entry in Who's Who|date=6 December 2010|work=BBC Online|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 December 2010}}

Cowell has appeared as a guest voice in an episode of The Simpsons ("Smart & Smarter"), in which he gets beaten up by Homer Simpson (while criticising Homer's punches).{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3503365.stm|title=Pop Idol's Cowell joins Simpsons|publisher=BBC News |date=19 February 2004|access-date=14 December 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/tv_film/newsid_3754000/3754722.stm|title= Simpsons intimidate Simon Cowell|work=CBBC Newsround |date=18 October 2004|access-date=14 December 2009}} In May 2010, he portrayed himself again in an episode of The Simpsons, "Judge Me Tender".[http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/f54j/the-simpsons--judge-me-tender The Simpsons: Series 21 – 17. Judge Me Tender] Radio Times. Retrieved 13 April 2012 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.showbizspy.com/article/55235/simon-cowell-appears-on-an-episode-of-family-guy.html |title=Simon Cowell appears on an episode of Family Guy |work=Showbiz Spy – celebrity news, rumors & gossip |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107040608/http://www.showbizspy.com/article/55235/simon-cowell-appears-on-an-episode-of-family-guy.html |archive-date=7 January 2014 }}{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/orlandosentinel/access/830297851.html?dids=830297851:830297851&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411170933/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/orlandosentinel/access/830297851.html?dids=830297851:830297851&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2013 |title=FOX BRINGS BACK 'FAMILY GUY'; AXED THREE YEARS AGO BY FOX, FAMILY GUY GETS[...] | work=Orlando Sentinel|first1=Hal|last1=Boedeker| date=1 May 2005}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20071019fox18|title=Listings – FAMILY GUY on FOX|publisher=TheFutonCritic.com|date=11 November 2007|access-date=14 December 2009}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/story/cowell-plays-himself-in-shrek-2-singing-contest|title=Pop Idol – Cowell Plays Himself in Shrek 2 Singing Contest|date=8 October 2004|publisher=contactmusic.com|access-date=13 September 2010}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/show/celebritylaps.shtml|title=Celebrity Laps|work=BBC Top Gear – |date=16 October 2008|access-date=14 August 2010}} 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.{{cite news|title=Celebrity Laps: Top Gear|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fQGSn1m2dsG43rQpPLmrT0/celebrity-laps|publisher=BBC|date=14 September 2015}} 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."{{cite news|title=Simon Cowell backs Clarkson over BBC suspension|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2015-03-13/simon-cowell-backs-clarkson-over-bbc-suspension/|agency=ITV.com|date=14 September 2015}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/story/cowell-punkd-by-ashton|title=Simon Cowell – Cowell Punk'D By Ashton|publisher=Contactmusic.com|access-date=14 December 2009|date=25 June 2005}}

Cowell was a partner in the Royal Ascot Racing Club, a thoroughbred horse racing syndicate which owned the 2005 Epsom Derby winner, Motivator.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/horse/columns/story?columnist=plonk_jeremy&id=3852086|title=Will America forgive and forget?|publisher=ESPN |date=22 January 2009|access-date=14 December 2009}} Cowell was chosen as the first subject of the re-launched British edition of This Is Your Life, in an episode broadcast on ITV on 2 June 2007. He was presented with the Red Book by Sir Trevor McDonald while presenting American Idol.{{cite news |title=This Is Your Life (2007) |url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8c484c31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006175031/https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8c484c31 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 October 2019 |access-date=6 October 2019 |work=BFI}}

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. Proceeds from the concert went to Diana's charities as well as to charities of which her sons Princes William and Harry are patrons.{{cite news|title=What is the Concert for Diana?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/concertfordiana/features/about.shtml|publisher=BBC|date=13 August 2015}}[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6257986.stm Diana concert a 'perfect tribute'] BBC News. Retrieved 12 April 2012

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.{{cite news|title=Britain's biggest stars record iconic poem 'If' as tribute to Olympic heroes|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/britains-biggest-stars-record-iconic-poem-tribute-olympic-111750818.html|agency=Yahoo.com.|date=10 November 2014}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/simon-cowell-donates-150000-to-idf-soldiers/|title=Simon Cowell gives $150K to soldiers|date=25 October 2013|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=16 July 2014}}

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".{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/20/simon-cowells-grenfell-tower-charity-single-available-from-8am-on-june-21-6723130/|title=Simon Cowell's Grenfell Tower charity single available from 8am on June 21|first=Rebecca |last=Lewis |date=20 June 2017|access-date=14 May 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20170623/7501/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=14 May 2018}}

File:Simon Cowell in December 2011.jpg

Cowell dated English presenter Terri Seymour from 2002 to 2008.{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/tag/simon-cowell/|title=Simon Cowell Splits with Girlfriend|last1=Norman|first1=Pete|last2=Rubin|first2=Courney|date=1 November 2008|website=People|access-date=23 September 2016}} Cowell was engaged to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy from 2010 to 2011.{{cite news |title=Simon Cowell gives ex-fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy £5m house |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/simon-cowell-gives-ex-fiancee-mezhgan-hussainy-5m-house-7647570.html |access-date=20 April 2020 |newspaper=The Independent}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/simon-cowell-named-in-friends-angry-divorce-papers-after-lauren-silverman-pregnancy-news-201318|title=Simon Cowell Named in Friend's Angry Divorce Papers After Lauren Silverman Pregnancy News|work=US Weekly|first=Justin|last=Ravitz|date=1 August 2013|access-date=1 August 2013}} News of the divorce filing became public two weeks later, when it was widely reported that Silverman and Cowell were expecting a baby together.{{cite news|url=https://people.com/parents/simon-cowell-is-having-a-baby-with-lauren-silverman/|title=Simon Cowell Is Having a Baby with Lauren Silverman|work=People|author=Lee Hernandez|date=31 July 2013|access-date=31 July 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/simon-cowells-baby-mother-lauren-silverman-debut-baby-bump-steps-out-with-son-201318|title=Simon Cowell's Baby Mother, Lauren Silverman Debuts Baby Bump, Steps Out With Son|work=Us Weekly|first=Stephanie|last=Webber|date=1 August 2013|access-date=1 August 2013}}

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.{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/simon-cowell-lauren-silverman-break-silence-on-pregnancy-her-divorce-201318|title=Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman Break Silence on Pregnancy, Her Divorce|work=Us Weekly|first=Justin|last=Ravitz|date=1 August 2013|access-date=1 August 2013}} In August 2013, the Silvermans settled their divorce out of court, enabling Cowell to avoid being called as a witness in the divorce proceedings.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/23710948|title=Simon Cowell avoids American divorce court appearance|work=BBC|date=15 August 2013|access-date=16 August 2013}} He subsequently confirmed that Silverman was pregnant with his child, and she gave birth to their son Eric on 14 February 2014.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23775600|title=Simon Cowell confirms he will be a father|work=BBC|date=20 August 2013|access-date=20 August 2013}}{{cite news|title=Simon Cowell's girlfriend gives birth to a baby boy in New York|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/simon-cowells-girlfriend-gives-birth-to-a-baby-boy-in-new-york-30011857.html|access-date=14 February 2014|newspaper=The Irish Independent|date=14 February 2014}} The couple confirmed their engagement in January 2022.{{Cite web|date=11 January 2022|first=Karen|last=Mizoguchi|title=Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Are Engaged: 'They Are Both Super Happy,' Says Source|url=https://people.com/tv/simon-cowell-lauren-silverman-are-engaged/|access-date=12 January 2022|website=People|language=en}}

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."{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7679827/General-Election-2010-David-Cameron-backed-by-Simon-Cowell.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7679827/General-Election-2010-David-Cameron-backed-by-Simon-Cowell.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=General Election 2010: David Cameron backed by Simon Cowell|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=3 March 2017}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/conservatives-get-yes-simon-cowell-23270|title=Conservatives get a 'yes' from Simon Cowell|website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=5 May 2010|access-date=3 March 2017}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/04/11/britains-got-talent-simon-cowell-voted-election_n_3063657.html|title='I've Never Voted in an Election'|first=Sarah|last=Dean|date=12 April 2013|work=Huffington Post|access-date=3 March 2017}} Cowell was in favour of the UK remaining in the EU in the 2016 EU referendum.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/brexit-march-london-peoples-vote-celebrity-supporters-steve-coogan-latest-a8836516.html|title=The celebrities that support Brexit (and the ones backing Remain)|work=The Independent|date=23 March 2019|language=en-GB}}

In 2019, Cowell became a vegan after doctors advised him to change his diet for health reasons.{{Cite web|title=Simon Cowell Says He's Going Vegan|url=https://vegnews.com/2019/4/simon-cowell-says-hes-going-vegan|access-date=17 July 2021|website=VegNews.com|language=en-US}} 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.{{cite news |last=Mee |first=Emily |title=Who made the Sunday Times Rich List this year? |url=https://news.sky.com/story/who-made-the-sunday-times-rich-list-this-year-11717733 |access-date=26 November 2019 |work=Sky News |date=14 May 2019}}

In 2020, Cowell announced he would be writing a seven-book series titled Wishfits with his son. The series was scheduled to launch in 2023.{{Cite web |title=Simon Cowell children's series delayed until 2023 owing to workload and pandemic |url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/simon-cowells-wishfits-series-delayed-until-2023-due-workload-challenges-and-pandemic-1298235 |access-date=25 August 2022 |website=The Bookseller |language=En}} On 8 August 2020, Cowell broke his back after he fell off his new electric motorcycle,{{Cite web|date=11 August 2020|title=Simon Cowell Did Not Fall Off an E-Bike|url=https://www.treehugger.com/simon-cowell-did-not-fall-off-an-e-bike-5074440}} 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.{{Cite web|date=9 August 2020|title=Simon Cowell injures back while testing electric bicycle|url=https://apnews.com/781031eb3694fe50afbef32e69e63d3e|access-date=9 August 2020|website=AP NEWS}} After the accident, he began eating animal-based food again in order to "rebuild his strength".{{cite web |last1=Agate |first1=Samantha |title=Simon Cowell Ditches Vegan Diet To 'Rebuild His Strength' But For What? |url=https://talentrecap.com/simon-cowell-ditches-vegan-diet-to-rebuild-his-strength-but-for-what/ |website=Talent Recap|date=26 October 2020 }}

Cowell suffers from depression. He has taken regular therapy sessions to combat the symptoms of the illness.{{Cite web |last=News.com.au |date=2024-06-12 |title=Simon Cowell reveals he privately battled depression |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/simon-cowell-confesses-he-didnt-care-if-he-lived-or-died-as-he-privately-battled-depression/news-story/dc9c527e356e27dbb21b64e97e1a58e3 |access-date=2025-06-07 |language=en-US}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvsbCdCG8gE |title=Simon Cowell Opens Up About His Heartbreaking Loss & His Regrets About One Direction! |date=2024-06-10 |last=The Diary Of A CEO |access-date=2025-06-07 |via=YouTube}}

In 2004 and 2010, Time magazine named Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2006, the British public ranked him number 28 in ITV's poll of TV's 50 Greatest Stars. 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. New Statesman listed Cowell at number 41 in a list of "50 People who Matter [in] 2010".{{cite web |title=41. Simon Cowell – 50 People Who Matter 2010 |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/broadcast/2010/09/judge-dread-simon-cowell |access-date=3 November 2010}} TV Guide named him at number 10 in their 2013 list of The 60 Nastiest Villains of All Time.Bretts, Bruce; Roush, Matt; (25 March 2013). "Baddies to the Bone: The 60 nastiest villains of all time". TV Guide. pp. 14 – 15.

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".{{cite web |title=The New Elizabethans – Simon Cowell |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01jxs2c/features/about |access-date=30 May 2016 |publisher=BBC}} Cowell was announced to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 22 August 2018, in the Television category.{{Cite web |title=Simon Cowell to Be Honored With Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/simon-cowell-to-be-honored-with-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame/ar-BBLYVaC |access-date=16 August 2018 |website=www.msn.com |language=en-US}}

• I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But... (2003) (autobiography)

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