Simon Cowell - Biography

In a nutshell

Simon Cowell is one of those people who have become unbelievably famous because of reality television. Which isn't to say he wasn't successful before he became a household name...

Cowell has had a long and winding past with the record industry over the years, being responsible for the biggest hit single by gold-bikini-wearing Sinitta, 'So Macho'.

It was in 1984 that Simon teamed up with the forever outspoken Pete Waterman and the pair worked together, cementing what would turn out to be a long-time friendship; Pete had quite a lot to say in the video message to Simon when he won a National Television Award recently.

As Louis Walsh constantly points out on The X Factor, Simon can take some responsibility for introducing the nation to some truly terrible records. Try not to scream when we mention (in no particular order, of course) Sonia, Five, Westlife, Ultimate Kaos, Teletubbies, Power Rangers, Robson and Jerome and Zig and Zag. Having said that, the public went and bought these artists in their droves, so nobody can claim he doesn't know a hit when he sees/hears one.

Simon first hit our screens in the UK with Pop Idol, hosted by Ant and Dec, which saw him back Gareth Gates to win big. However, this didn't happen and he wasn't exactly keen on eventual winner Will Young. God knows what he thought of second series champ Michelle McManus....

The X Factor is Simon's biggest hit. He's also responsible for some other major shows including Britain's Got Talent (which has been sold around the world) and the huge flop Grease Is The Word.

Notoriously not a man geared towards marriage and kids, Simon recently spilt with 'long term partner' Terri Seymour and bought her a 'leaving present' of a $6million house. Not bad work if you can get it! He's also admitted to using botox and is the godfather of Sinitta's child ....we didn't even know she had one!

Did you know?