Simon Cowell Music Mogul Millionaire

He is best known as the obnoxious judge on the hit TV show American Idol whose cynical comments sent contestants running out the door in tears, but what most don’t know is that his work didn’t start there and most definitely won’t end there. His list of achievements is long and includes being a successful record producer and executive for the BMG UK record company to gathering wannabe entrepreneurs on his show, American Inventor.

Before The Fame: Cowell was born on October 7, 1959 and was raised most of his early life by nannies before being sent off to a boarding school. He acted up constantly in school and was consequently transferred sixteen times before finally leaving it all together at the age of sixteen.

Early Years: Cowell then began work as a modest mail room clerk for EMI Music Publishing where his father worked. He soon moved up to become a record producer but left to form an independent music company, E&S Music, which didn’t quite make it, forcing Cowell to return to EMI. He was not content being back and left again shortly to form Fanfare Records with partner Iain Burton. From 1985 to 1989, Fanfare did well thanks to a string of minor hits from its artist, Sinitta.

Moving On Up: Seeing Cowell’s potential early on, in 1989, BMG offered the position of A&R Consultant to Cowell when he was only 30 years old. After that, his career took off as he signed several successful artists such as the boy band Westlife and Robson & Jerome.

Idol Mania: Cowell first appeared on television in 2001 as a judge on the first season of Pop Idol and then American Idol in 2002. His brutally honest comments helped him to be everyone's favorite to hate. His popularity rose as the both show's ratings rose and his sardonic and biting comments were mocked by millions around the world. Pop Idol's first season attracted over 11 million viewers and American Idol drew 22 million viewers for the first season finale.

Idol Maker: Cowell set up another record label named S Records in 2002 which signed the top two finalists of the first season of Pop Idol who both went on to have number one hits in the UK. The winner, Will Young, brought in 1.8 million sales with his debut single, and Cowell was able to cleverly manage to gain a share of the royalties. Cowell also sold his half-share in S Records to BMG for $42 million, making Cowell an instant multi-millionaire.