Simon Cowell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Simon Cowell
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Cowell in 2014
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| Born |
Simon Phillip Cowell
7 October 1959 London, England
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1980–present |
| Organization | Syco Entertainment |
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Label(s)
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Syco Music |
| Television | |
| Partner(s) | Lauren Silverman (2013–present; engaged) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Nicholas Cowell (brother) Tony Cowell (half-brother) |
Simon Phillip Cowell (born 7 October 1959) is an English television star, businessman, and record executive. He is famous for being a judge on popular TV talent shows. These include Pop Idol, The X Factor UK, and Britain's Got Talent in the United Kingdom. In the United States, he has judged on American Idol, The X Factor US, and America's Got Talent.
Cowell is known for his blunt and honest comments to contestants. He often says things like, "I don't mean to be rude, but..." before giving his opinion. Besides judging, he is a major figure in the music industry. He founded the entertainment company Syco Entertainment and the record label Syco Music.
Through his company, Cowell has helped launch the careers of many famous artists. He has signed and promoted successful bands and singers like One Direction, Little Mix, Fifth Harmony, Leona Lewis, and Susan Boyle. His work has made him one of the most influential people in entertainment. In 2018, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Contents
Early Life and School
Simon Phillip Cowell was born in London, England. He was raised in Elstree, Hertfordshire. His mother, Julie Brett, was a ballet dancer. His father, Eric Cowell, was a music industry executive and property developer. Simon has a younger brother, Nicholas, and several half-siblings.
Cowell went to a few different schools, including Dover College. After finishing his basic exams, he attended Windsor Technical College. He took on several small jobs, but he didn't enjoy them much. His father worked at the music company EMI Music Publishing and got him a job in the mail room. After a while, Simon left to try other things before returning to EMI.
Starting in the Music Business
In the early 1980s, Cowell left EMI to start his own music companies. His first company, E&S Music, didn't last long. He then started Fanfare Records. He had his first hit song in 1986 with "So Macho" by the singer Sinitta. However, his company later had financial problems.
Cowell didn't give up. He started working as a consultant for the music group BMG and created S Records. He had a big success in 1995 with the actors Robson Green and Jerome Flynn. They sang "Unchained Melody" on their TV show Soldier Soldier. Cowell convinced them to record it.
The song, released by the duo Robson & Jerome, went straight to number 1 in the UK. It was the best-selling single of 1995. Their album also became the year's best-selling album. Cowell said this success earned him his first million pounds. He later signed other popular acts like the boy band Westlife.
Becoming a Famous TV Judge
The 'Idol' and 'X Factor' Shows
In 2001, Simon Cowell became a judge on a new TV show called Pop Idol in the UK. He and show creator Simon Fuller pitched the idea to ITV. The show was a huge hit. Cowell became famous for his tough and honest critiques of the singers.
In 2002, he became a judge on the American version, American Idol. His signature phrase, "I don't mean to be rude, but...", made him a well-known TV personality.
In 2004, Cowell created his own music competition show, The X Factor, in the UK. It was an instant success and ran for many years. The show discovered many stars, including Leona Lewis, who won the third series. She signed with Cowell's label, Syco, and became a global star.
One of the most famous acts to come from The X Factor was the boy band One Direction. They finished third in 2010 but signed with Cowell's label. They went on to become one of the biggest bands in the world. Other successful acts from the show include Little Mix and Fifth Harmony.
The 'Got Talent' Franchise
After the success of his singing shows, Cowell created a new format called Got Talent. This show was open to any kind of performer, not just singers. Dancers, magicians, comedians, and other unique acts could all compete.
America's Got Talent launched in 2006 and became a massive hit in the US. The UK version, Britain's Got Talent, started in 2007 with Cowell as a judge. The show became famous worldwide in 2009 when a contestant named Susan Boyle became an overnight sensation with her amazing audition.
The Got Talent format has been named the world's most successful reality TV format by Guinness World Records. It has been adapted in over 68 countries.
Charity Work and Media Appearances
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Simon Cowell is involved with many charities. He is a patron of Together for Short Lives, a UK charity that helps children with life-threatening conditions. He has also helped raise money for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the Grenfell Tower fire in London.
Cowell has appeared in movies and TV shows as himself. He had a cameo in Scary Movie 3 and voiced himself in an episode of The Simpsons. He was also a guest on the BBC car show Top Gear, where he twice set the fastest lap time for a celebrity guest.
In 2003, he published his autobiography, I Don't Mean to be Rude, but.... In the book, he shared stories from his childhood and his career in the music and television industries.
Personal Life
Simon Cowell is engaged to Lauren Silverman. They have been together since 2013. Their son, Eric, was born on 14 February 2014. The couple announced their engagement in January 2022.
In 2019, Cowell decided to become a vegan after his doctors advised him to change his diet for health reasons. In August 2020, he had an accident while riding an electric motorcycle at his home in Malibu, California. He broke his back and needed surgery. After the accident, he started eating some animal products again to help his body recover.
Images for kids
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One Direction was one of the most successful acts signed to Cowell's record label.
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Fifth Harmony was another successful group formed on The X Factor and mentored by Cowell.
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Cowell at the National Television Awards in London in 2006.
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Cowell in December 2011.
See also
In Spanish: Simon Cowell para niños
