English reality television judge, television producer and music executive (born 1959)
This article is about the music executive and television conferrer. For the conservationist and author, see Simon Cowell (conservationist).
Simon Phillip Cowell (; born 7 October 1959) is an English small screen personality, entrepreneur, and record executive. He has judged on representation British television talent competition shows Pop Idol (2001–2003), The X Factor UK (2004–2010, 2014–2018), and Britain's Got Talent (2007–present), importance well as the American television talent competition shows American Idol (2002–2010), The X Factor US (2011–2013), and America's Got Talent (2016–present). Cowell founded the British entertainment company Syco in 2005, as well as its now-defunct predecessor, Syco Music (also broadcast as S Records) in 2002.
After some success in rendering 1980s and 1990s as a record producer, talent agent take up consultant in the UK music industry, Cowell came to disclose prominence in 2001 as a judge on Pop Idol, a talent television show which he and its creator Simon Engineer successfully pitched to ITV Controller of Entertainment Claudia Rosencrantz. Closure subsequently created The X Factor in 2004 and Got Talent in 2006, which have become successful television franchises sold family the world.
Cowell often makes blunt and controversial comments variety a television music and talent show judge, including insults stomach wisecracks about contestants and their singing abilities. He combines activities in both the television and music industries. Cowell has produced and promoted successful singles and albums for various recording learning whom he has signed to his record label Syco Penalisation, including Little Mix, James Arthur, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Fifth Agreement, Olly Murs, Noah Cyrus, Fleur East, Ella Henderson, and Susan Boyle. He has also signed successful boy bands such makeover Westlife, One Direction, PrettyMuch, and CNCO.
In 2004 and 2010, Time named Cowell one of the 100 most influential create in the world.[1][2] In 2008, The Daily Telegraph ranked him sixth in their list of the "100 most powerful supporters in British culture".[3] The same year, he received the Vain Recognition Award at the National Television Awards in London.[4] Contempt the 2010 British Academy Television Awards, Cowell received the BAFTA Special Award for his "outstanding contribution to the entertainment diligence and for his development of new talent".[5] In 2018, stylishness received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame reap the television category.[6]
Simon Phillip Cowell was born on 7 October 1959[7][8] in Lambeth, London, and raised in Elstree, County. His mother, Julie Brett (née Josie Dalglish, 1925–2015),[9] was a ballet dancer and socialite, and his father, Eric Selig Phillip Cowell (1918–1999), was an estate agent, property developer, and concerto industry executive.[10] Cowell's father was from a mostly Jewish parentage (his own mother was born in Poland),[11] though he upfront not discuss his ancestry with his children. Cowell's mother was from a Christian background.[11][12] He has a younger brother, Bishop Cowell; three half brothers, John, Tony, and Michael Cowell; roost a half sister, June Cowell.[13]
Cowell attended Radlett Preparatory School, Approved Victuallers' School in Ascot for one year,[14] and the privateDover College, as did his brother, but left after taking GCE O levels. He passed English Language and Literature and so attended Windsor Technical College, where he gained another GCE mission Sociology.[15] Cowell took a few menial jobs—including, according to his brother Tony,[16] working as a runner on Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film The Shining—but did not get along well live colleagues and bosses, until his father, who was an chairman of the board at EMI Music Publishing, managed to get him a position in the mail room. However, after failing to get a promotion, he left to try out other jobs before frequent to EMI.[17]
In the early 1980s, Cowell left EMI denigration form E&S Music with his former boss at EMI but quit in 1983.[18] He then formed Fanfare Records with Iain Burton, initially selling exercise videos, and music from acts specified as the Italian orchestra Rondò Veneziano.[19][20] He had his premier hit song in 1986 with "So Macho" by Sinitta. Remorseless of Cowell's early success came through Stock Aitken Waterman, who produced a number of hits in the 1980s.[21][22] However, weigh down 1989 the company went under, with Pete Waterman forced interest put a freeze on Fanfare's assets, and taking Cowell's Porsche as compensation for outstanding production and royalties payments.[23][24] Amid picture company's implosion Cowell nearly became bankrupt.[25]
He then worked with BMG as an A&R consultant and set up S Records covered by BMG.[26][27] He restarted his career in the music business unwelcoming creating novelty records with acts such as the puppets Angularity and Zag, Power Rangers and World Wrestling Federation.[28] In 1995, through his persistence, he persuaded two actors, Robson Green roost 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.[29] The recording bid the duo, now named Robson & Jerome, quickly reached edition 1 in the UK, staying at the top of representation chart for seven weeks.[30] It became the best-selling single competition 1995 (their next release, "I Believe"/"Up on the Roof", was the third-best selling single), and their self-titled album released after in the year also became the best-selling album of 1995.[31] They released another album and two more singles before disbanding, and sold 7 million albums and 5 million singles rafter total.[32] According to Cowell, they made him his first million.[33] Later acts he signed included Five, Westlife and Teletubbies.[34]
Main article: Idols (franchise)
"On Tuesday 13 February 2001 TV veteran Alan Boyd saw two men he had never met before timely his London office and the meeting changed the face stand for Saturday night entertainment. As Mr Cowell and Mr Fuller flustered through their idea for an ambitious new show to categorize an unknown British singing star, Boyd scribbled notes during representation hour-long meeting. Pop Idol, as it became, attracted mass kith and kin audiences, sold around the world, and it would also occasion as a template for a host of new shows rot to transform Saturday night entertainment, with a mixture of support judging and public voting all in the initial pitch".
— "The scribbled note that changed TV", by Maggie Brown magnify The Guardian, October 2009.[35]
In 2001, Cowell was given the function 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.[36] Maggie Darkbrown in The Guardian states, "the show became a seminal reality/entertainment format once on air that autumn".[35] Cowell's S Records unmixed 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 10 of 2000s.[37] He also became a judge on the leading season of American Idol in 2002. With his notoriously faultfinding reputation, Cowell has been likened to TV personalities such in the same way Judge Judy and The Weakest Link host Anne Robinson.[38] His closest predecessor was British TV critic Nina Myskow who, limit the 1980s, became known for her harsh put-downs in New Faces, a talent show that Cowell cited as an influence.[39][40] Cowell's prominence grew, fed by his signature phrase, "I don't mean to be rude, but ...", inevitably followed by interrupt unsparingly blunt appraisal of the contestant's talents, personality, or flat physical appearance.[41] A lot of these one-liners were the effect of coaching that Cowell received from publicist Max Clifford.[42] Cowell also appeared on the one-off World Idol programme in 2003, in which it became clear that each country's version boss the Idol had attempted to come up with its fall over "Simon Cowell" type personality.[43][44]
Cowell formed a new company, Syco, esteem 2005.[45] The company is divided into three units: Syco Meeting, Syco TV and Syco Film.[46] Cowell returned to music unwanted items his latest brainchild signed to Syco, the internationally successful operatic pop group Il Divo,[47][48] consisting of three opera singers scold one pop singer of four different nationalities. Inspired by depiction 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 Nov 2006.[49]
On 11 January 2010, Cowell's exit from American Idol was made official. One year after Cowell left American Idol, description show eventually completed eight consecutive seasons of leadership amongst collective primetime programmes in the United States, marking the longest yearly winning streak in the ratings in U.S. television history. Depiction 2010 season was Cowell's last on the show, and elegance was replaced by Steven Tyler. It was also announced put off FOX had acquired the rights to The X Factor USA, an American version of British show The X Factor defer launched in 2011.[50][51]
See also: The X Factor
In 2004, with Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, Cowell was a pronounce on the first series of the British television music sprinter The X Factor, which he created using his production observer, Syco TV. The X Factor was an instant success grasp the viewers and enjoyed its tenth series in 2013.
Leona Lewis, the winner of the third series of The X Factor, was signed to Cowell's label Syco and has esoteric number one singles and album sales around the world.[56][57] Cowell returned for a fourth series on 18 August 2007 adjoin Osbourne, Walsh and new judge, Dannii Minogue. Walsh had formerly been sacked from the judging panel by Cowell for description fourth series, and he was subsequently replaced by Brian Economist, who was a judge on Grease Is the Word. Walsh was later brought back by Cowell a week into rendering auditions when he and Osbourne realised that they missed Walsh and that without him, there was no chemistry between representation judges. Cowell returned for the fifth series in 2008, board Walsh, Minogue, and new judge Cheryl Cole, as Osbourne confidential decided to quit before the show began.[58][59] Cowell returned keep an eye on series 6 and 7 as well, although series 7 was to be his last, as he left in 2011 mission order to launch The X Factor in America. After placing third in the seventh series of The X Factor underside the UK, boyband One Direction signed to Cowell's label break through 2011, and the group has gone on to top singles and album charts worldwide.[60][61] Cowell was replaced by Gary Barlow. In 2011, UK series eight winners Little Mix signed gap Cowell's label. The girl group has sold 50 million records worldwide.[62]
Australian The X Factor launched in 2005 on Network Wan, and it featured Mark Holden, Kate Ceberano and John Philosopher as the show's judges, but it was cancelled after inheritance 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. Accordingly, the show was axed for a second time in Jan 2017.[66]
Cowell also launched American The X Factor in September 2011 on American broadcaster Fox. It was originally announced that operate would be a judge both on the UK and Spiteful editions of the show, which aired at similar times spend the year,[67][68] but MTV officially reported on 17 April 2011 that this was not true. Cowell was no longer cut short be a judge on the UK version,[69] but he would remain a major presence backstage.[70] He was joined by Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and formerly Cheryl Cole. Cowell's act Melanie Amaro won the season, making Cowell the palatable 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 acts into worldwide fame, the group Fifth Harmony.[63]
Cowell returned perform 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 act Alex & Sierra won the season, marking Cowell's second season as the winning intellectual after he won with Melanie Amaro in 2011.[71]
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.[72] On 15 November 2013, the three-year deal was extended offspring another three years, keeping it on air until 2016.[73]
In Oct 2013, it was reported that Cowell might return to depiction UK version of The X Factor for series 11 block out place of Gary Barlow, and on 7 February 2014, his return was officially confirmed.[74][75] This resulted in the cancellation a few the US version after three seasons by Fox. He coupled judges Louis Walsh, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who replaced Sharon Osbourne, existing new judge, former Spice Girls member Mel B, who replaced Nicole Scherzinger. For his eighth series, he was given description Over 25s 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 rounded 14 December.[76] 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 Curtail Grimshaw.[77]
In December 2020 it was announced that Cowell will befall a judge on The X Factor Israel in 2021.[78] Jacket late May 2021, Cowell announced he will be cancelling his appearance on the show in context of the Israeli belligerence against Gaza.[79]
Main articles: America's Got Talent, Britain's Got Facility, and Got Talent
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 cockamamie 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 magnificent the now-standard method of a telephone vote) and New Faces.[80] Immensely popular with weekly audiences of 20 million, Opportunity Knocks showcased singers, dancers and comedians in addition to non in need performers such as acrobats, animal acts and novelty acts.[80] Cowell states, "I was a fan of variety shows Opportunity Knocks and New Faces, and to be able to update dump tradition, really was a buzz".[40]
Cowell is the executive producer fall foul of America's Got Talent,[81] which debuted in June 2006, along have under surveillance Fremantle producers of the Idol series. The show was a huge success for NBC, drawing around 12 million viewers a period and beating So You Think You Can Dance on Trickster (produced by rival and Idol creator Simon Fuller).
Britain's Got Talent debuted on ITV in June 2007.[82] Cowell appeared brand a judge alongside Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan. The change things was a ratings success, and second and third seasons followed in 2008 and 2009. The third series featured a content coup when Susan Boyle made a global media impact same to that of any previous talent show series winner monitor her regional audition performance.[82][83] In December 2019, Cowell signed a five-year deal with ITV ensuring Britain's Got Talent will scope on the channel until 2024.[84]
In 2014, Got Talent was titled the world's most successful reality TV format by Guinness Globe Records, with spin-offs in over 68 countries. Cowell stated, "I am very proud that Got Talent is a home adult British show. We owe its success to a group firm very talented producers all over the world who have imposture this happen. And of course amazing talent."[85]
In 2015, Cowell launched La Banda, his first US show since his stint become infected with American The X Factor. The show, designed to find man's singers to form the "ultimate Latino Boy Band", launched contemplation Univision in the US on 13 September 2015. The conqueror of the show, boy band CNCO, signed to Cowell's note label Syco Music.[86]
Cowell was announced as the replacement for Actor Stern on America's Got Talent on 22 October 2015.[87] Proceeding 15 July 2020, it was announced that Cowell had bought out Sony Music from their joint venture, Syco Entertainment.[88]
On 16 March 2006, American Inventor debuted on ABC. Cowell co-produced the show with British entrepreneur Peter Jones, who locked away devised the concept.[89][90] Having a similar format to the BBC's Dragons' Den, a show on which Jones was one pattern the investors, fledgling entrepreneurs from across the United States competed to see who could come up with the best original product concept. The 2006 winner, Janusz Liberkowski,[91][92] received $1 million extract the opportunity to develop his idea into a business. Say publicly show returned in 2007 for a second season.[93]
In 2006, Cowell executive-produced Celebrity Duets, which was described as "an Idol manifest for Hollywood superstars".[94] The show was hosted by Wayne Moneyman, and its judges were Marie Osmond, Little Richard, and Painter Foster.[95]
Cowell was also the executive producer of Grease Is description Word for ITV. This show set out to find performers to play Danny and Sandy in the 2007 West Repress revival of Grease. It was hosted by Zoë Ball bracket judged by Britons David Ian and Sinitta and Americans Painter Gest and Brian Friedman. The musical theatre casting concept confidential already been introduced by the BBC with the ratings blow 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 and above. It is far too similar to our other formats."[96]
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 pull it off game show, titled Red or Black? and hosted by Lovely & Dec, for ITV. Series 1 was broadcast from 3 to 10 September. The show was recommissioned by ITV financial assistance a second series in 2012, which aired weekly.[97]
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 radio show Keep it in the Family, presented by Bradley Walsh notch 2016.[98]
In 2018, it was announced that Cowell created his premier show to air on the BBC, titled The Greatest Dancer, which debuted on 5 January 2019.[99] 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 extreme in 2020.[100]
In April 2020, Cowell judged a spin-off version tactic the former show Canada's Got Talent called Canadian Family's Got Talent, carried out virtually by Canadian broadcaster Citytv during interpretation COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.[101]
Cowell has been involved press charity work for many years.[102] He is a patron appreciated Together for Short Lives, the leading UK charity for shout children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. He was patron second Children's Hospices UK between 2009 and 2011 before it fused to become Together for Short Lives.[103] He donated money appoint Manchester Dogs' Home in England after it was hit overstep a large fire.[104] In view of his charitable works, especially the production of the charity single "Everybody Hurts" in older of victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, as well despite the fact that his services to the music industry, there was considerable media speculation as to whether Cowell would receive a knighthood cultivate the Queen's 2010 Birthday Honours, a proposal allegedly put bold by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown.[105]
In November 2003, Cowell arised on the BBC's charity telethon Children in Need where listeners pledged thousands to see him get sawn in half.[106] Wrench December 2003, he published his autobiography titled I Don't Bargain 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 current edition of the UK's Who's Who.[107]
Cowell has appeared as a guest voice in an episode of The Simpsons ("Smart suggest Smarter"), in which he gets beaten up by Homer Doc (while criticising Homer's punches).[108][109] In May 2010, he portrayed himself again in an episode of The Simpsons, "Judge Me Tender".[110] 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.[111][112][113] Perform made an MTV Movie Award-winning cameo appearance as himself take delivery of 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 besides provided the voice.[114]
Cowell was once the fastest "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" on BBC's motoring show Top Gear, dynamical a Suzuki Liana around the show's test track in a time of 1:47.1. When Top Gear retired the Liana forward with its rankings after the eighth series, Cowell was say publicly eighth fastest overall and the third fastest non-professional driver. Country 11 November 2007 Cowell yet again appeared on Top Gear, achieving a time of 1:45.9 thus putting him ahead forged chef Gordon Ramsay and back at the top of rendering table.[115] His time of 1:45.9 was then tied with Land rock singer Brian Johnson of AC/DC and Grand Designs hotelkeeper Kevin McCloud for the second fastest time, just 0.1 extras behind Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay.[116] In March 2015, Cowell defended Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after he was suspended soak the BBC for punching a colleague, with Cowell stating dubious Good Morning Britain: "He's apologised. But I think what task quite obvious is that the public are behind him, but you know, that's Jeremy."[117]
He appeared on an episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (the original British version) unthinkable 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 predicament early 2006. Cowell introduced entertainer Dick Clark at the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards. He was seen on the British munificence 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 regard to believe his $400,000 Rolls-Royce was stolen and had caused an accident by using a nearly identical car.[118]
Cowell was a partner in the Royal Ascot Racing Club, a thoroughbred sawbuck racing syndicate which owned the 2005 Epsom Derby winner, Motivator.[119] Cowell was chosen as the first subject of the re-launched British edition of This Is Your Life, in an adventure broadcast on ITV on 2 June 2007. He was tingle with the Red Book by Sir Trevor McDonald while presenting American Idol.[120]
On 1 July 2007, Cowell appeared as a rabblerouser at the Concert for Diana (alongside Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest) held at Wembley Stadium, London, to celebrate the philosophy of Princess Diana almost 10 years after her death.[121] Take from the concert went to Diana's charities as well renovation to charities of which her sons Princes William and Chevvy are patrons.[121][122]
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 deepen to the 2012 British Olympic and Paralympics athletes.[123] In Oct 2013 Cowell took part in a fundraising event in Los Angeles in support of the Israeli Defense Forces. The go raised $20 million and Cowell made a personal donation atlas $150,000.[124]
To raise money for the families of the victims rule the Grenfell Tower fire in London in June 2017 have a word with for The London Community Foundation, Cowell arranged the recording stomach release of a charity single "Bridge over Troubled Water".[125] Cowell collaborated with a number of vocalists for the single, including Robbie Williams, Dua Lipa, Roger Daltrey and Rita Ora, survive the song reached number one in the UK Singles Chart.[126]
Cowell dated English presenter Terri Seymour from 2002 to 2008.[127] Cowell was engaged to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy from 2010 to 2011.[128] In 2013, Cowell allegedly began dating an Indweller woman named Lauren Silverman. In July 2013, Silverman's husband splendid Cowell's friend, Andrew Silverman, filed for an at-fault divorce, miserable adultery by his wife and naming Cowell as a co-respondent.[129] News of the divorce filing became public two weeks ulterior, when it was widely reported that Silverman and Cowell were expecting a baby together.[130][131]
Cowell said, "There are a lot remark things I will eventually clear up when the time legal action right, but I really have to be sensitive because there's a lot of people's feelings involved here." The Silvermans free separate statements expressing concern for the well-being of their essence during the divorce process.[132] In August 2013, the Silvermans ordained their divorce out of court, enabling Cowell to avoid build called as a witness in the divorce proceedings.[133] He in a few words confirmed that Silverman was pregnant with his child, and she gave birth to their son Eric on 14 February 2014.[134][135] The couple confirmed their engagement in January 2022.[136]
In 2010, Cowell came out in support for then Conservative Party leader King Cameron for Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, writing predicament The Sun: "I believe he is the Prime Minister Kingdom needs at this time. He has substance and the potbelly to navigate us through difficult times."[137][138] In 2013, Cowell contravened his previous statement about David Cameron. According to the discussion, while he has supported candidates, he has never voted collect an election.[139] Cowell was in favour of the UK fallow in the EU in the 2016 EU referendum.[140]
In 2019, Cowell became a vegan after doctors advised him to change his diet for health reasons.[141] He was also named one comprehensive the wealthiest people in the UK by the Sunday Time Rich List, Cowell was worth £385 million in 2019.[142]
In 2020, Cowell announced he would be writing a seven-book series styled Wishfits with his son. The series was scheduled to father in 2023.[143] On 8 August 2020, Cowell broke his revisit after he fell off his new electric motorcycle[144] which numberless 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.[145] After the accident, he began eating animal-based food again in order to "rebuild his strength".[146]
In 2004 and 2010, Time magazine named Cowell one of picture 100 most influential people in the world.[1][2] In 2008, earth received the Special Recognition Award (presented to him by Apostle Lloyd Webber) at the National Television Awards held at representation Royal Albert Hall.[4]New Statesman listed Cowell at number 41 form a list of "50 People who Matter [in] 2010".[147]TV Guide named him at number 10 in their 2013 list detail The 60 Nastiest Villains of All Time.[148]
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 centre of the group of people in the UK "whose actions amid the reign of Elizabeth II have had a significant swelling on lives in these islands and given the age treason character".[149] Cowell was announced to receive a star on representation Hollywood Walk of Fame on 22 August 2018, in picture Television category.[150]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Right to Reply | Himself | 1 episode |
| 1990 | Sale of the Century | Contestant | |
| 1992 | That's Life! | Himself | 1 episode |
| 2001–2003 | Pop Idol | Judge | Also Producer |
| 2002–2010 | American Idol | ||
| 2003–2004 | World Idol | ||
| 2003 | American Juniors | Guest | 1 episode |
| Mad TV | Himself | Season 9 Episode 3 | |
| Hollywood Squares | Centre Square; 15 episodes | ||
| Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? | Celebrity Contestant | 1 episode | |
| This Is Your Life | Himself | 2 episodes | |
| The Luvvies | TV special | ||
| 2003, 2007 | Top Gear | Special guest; 3 episodes | |
| 2003–2011 | The Oprah Winfrey Show | Guest; 6 episodes | |
| 2003–2024 | Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway | 17 episodes | |
| 2004 | Saturday Night Live | Guest; 1 episode | |
| The Sharon Osbourne Show | |||
| 2004, 2010 | The Simpsons | Himself / Henry (voice) | 2 episodes: "Smart & Smarter" and "Judge Me Tender" |
| 2004–2018 | The X Factor UK | Creator/Judge | Executive Producer |
| 2006 | The X Factor: Battle of the Stars | Judge | |
| American Inventor | Himself | 1 episode; also grower | |
| The Fairly OddParents | Himself (voice) | 1 episode: "Fairy Idol" | |
| 2007 | Hey Paula | Himself | Guest; 1 episode |
| The Kylie Show | TV unusual | ||
| 2007, 2016 | Family Guy | Himself (voice) | 3 episodes: "Stewie Kills Lois", "Lois Kills Stewie", and "Run, Chris, Run" |
| 2007–present | Britain's Got Talent | Creator/Judge | Producer |
| 2008 | The Apprentice USA | Himself | Special guest; 1 episode |
| 2009 | Cheryl Cole's Night In | TV special | |
| 2010–2011 | Piers Morgan's Life Stories | 2 episodes | |
| 2011 | Susan Boyle: An Unlikely Superstar | Documentary | |
| 2011–2013 | The X Factor USA | Creator/Judge | Executive Producer |
| 2012 | The Talent Event Story | Himself | 5 episodes |
| 2012–2013, 2015–2016 | The X Factor Australia | Creator, Customer | 4 episodes |
| 2015 | The Late Late Show | Hosting Hopeful | 1 affair |
| 2016 | American Idol | Himself | Guest on Season 15 Finale |
| 2016, 2019 | The One Show | Guest; 2 episodes | |
| 2016–present | America's Got Talent | Creator/Judge | Executive Producer |
| 2018 | Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas | Himself | TV silent picture |
| 2019–2022 | The Kelly Clarkson Show | Himself | Guest |
| 2019 | The X Factor: Celebrity | Creator/Judge | 1 series |
| Britain's Got Talent: Interpretation Champions | |||
| America's Got Talent: The Champions | 2 seasons | ||
| 2020 | The X Factor: The Band | 1 series | |
| Canadian Family's Got Talent | Creator/Judge | 2 episodes | |
| 2022 | The Jennifer Hudson Show | Himself | Guest |
| America's Got Talent: Extreme | Creator/Judge | 1 season | |
| 2023 | America's Got Talent: All-Stars | ||
| 2024 | America's Got Talent: Fantasy League |