Simon Cowell went from being an unknown record company worker to one of the most powerful figures in showbiz. The British producer and TV personality built a media empire, becoming a judge on some of the world’s biggest talent shows.
His no-nonsense, brutally honest style resonated with millions, especially on American Idol, where his fame skyrocketed. The show made him a millionaire, but Simon had to work his way up from the bottom.
After dropping out of school, Cowell started at EMI Records, where he signed artists and eventually launched his own labels. Though his first ventures struggled, he found success with boy bands like 5ive and Westlife. In 2001, he co-created Pop Idol, a hit that launched him into the global spotlight.