Simon Cowell began his career as a record company assistant at EMI, thanks to his father’s help. After dropping out of school, he climbed the music industry ladder. Though he initially launched two unsuccessful labels, he didn’t give up. When things fell apart—he lost his home, his Porsche, and his independence—he found comfort in returning home. “I was quite happy, really,” he admitted.
Cowell rebooted his career with S Records, signing acts like 5ive, Westlife, and Jerome, whose cover of “Unchained Melody” became a hit. Yet it was talent shows that truly skyrocketed his career. In 2001, Cowell and Simon Fuller launched Pop Idol, making Cowell an instant celebrity. The show’s success led to American Idol on Fox, where Cowell’s blunt critiques and catchphrase—”I don’t mean to be rude but…”—became iconic.
The first American Idol finale, won by Kelly Clarkson, drew over 26 million viewers. Cowell saw an opportunity and released Idol-themed albums, generating massive profits. In just a few years, he became a multimillionaire. Shows like X Factor and America’s Got Talent only expanded his reach and income.
By 2006, Cowell signed lucrative deals and remained a judge on American Idol for five more years. He co-created The X Factor in both the UK and US, while also judging and producing America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. His straightforward style—sometimes harsh but always honest—remained a constant.
Cowell faced health setbacks too. In 2017, he collapsed due to low blood pressure. Doctors advised him to overhaul his diet—cutting red meat, dairy, and sugar. He lost 60 pounds in a year and kept the weight off even during lockdowns.
In 2020, Cowell suffered a severe back injury after falling off an electric bike. He underwent a six-hour surgery and had a metal rod implanted. Despite doctors’ advice to rest, he began walking just two days later. Today, he walks over 40 miles a week and holds daily business meetings to stay on track.
A Different Kind of Legacy
Despite his massive fortune, Cowell doesn’t plan to leave it to his son. “Your legacy has to be that you gave others a chance,” he said. Instead, he plans to donate his wealth to causes for kids and animals.
Today, Cowell is more than a TV mogul—he’s a family man, philanthropist, and survivor. Through reinvention, resilience, and raw honesty, Simon Cowell has built a legacy that’s as enduring as his catchphrases.
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