Simon Phillip Cowell is an English television talent judge and mentor, music and television producer, and music talent scout (aka A&R executive). He is most recognized as a judge on the English TV talent competition series Pop Idol, The X Factor, and Britain's Got Talent, and the American TV singing competition shows American Idol and The X Factor. Cowell owns the television production and music publishing house Syco.
As a judge, Cowell often makes blunt and controversial comments, including insults and wisecracks about contestants and their abilities. He combines activities in both the television and music industries. Cowell has produced and promoted singles and albums for various artists, including television personalities. He was most recently featured on the ninth series of Britain's Got Talent and the eleventh series of UK's The X Factor. Cowell is slated to replace Howard Stern on America's Got Talent in late 2015.
In 2004 and 2010, Time named Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world. New Statesman listed Cowell at number 41 in a list of "50 People who Matter [in] 2010". TV Guide named him #10 in their 2013 list of The 60 Nastiest Villains of All Time.
Cowell is involved in a number of charitable activities. He has appeared on the two major UK charity telethons, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief, and is a patron of the UK charity Together for Short Lives for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions, and since 2009, Children's Hospices UK.
