Simon Cowell went from an unknown record company worker to one of the most influential figures in show business. The British producer and TV star built a massive empire and became a star judge on multiple talent shows. His blunt honesty made him both popular and wealthy, earning millions per season on American Idol.

Cowell’s career began when he dropped out of school and got a job at EMI, thanks to his father. He later started his own labels, but they failed, forcing him to move back home. However, he rebounded, founding S Records, where he signed successful artists. His real breakthrough came in 2001 when he co-created Pop Idol, which launched him to stardom. The show’s U.S. version, American Idol, made him a household name.

Cowell later created The X Factor and judged America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent, amassing a $600 million fortune. Despite his success, he faced health issues, including a serious back injury in 2020.

Now a devoted father, he credits his son Eric for inspiring positive life changes. Though wealthy, Cowell believes in hard work, stating he’ll leave his fortune to charity rather than his son, encouraging him to forge his own path.