On October 7, 1959, one of the most influential producers in modern music history was born. Simon Cowell has dominated the reality TV airwaves for multiple decades with success similar to the late Dick Clark. Can you name the hit shows that Simon has produced?

Simon is an English TV personality, entrepreneur, and record executive. However, he is best known for creating ‘The X Factor’ and the ‘Got Talent’ franchises with broadcasts that span the globe.

His first notable work on TV came when he judged ‘Pop Idol,’ which was the British predecessor to ‘American Idol.’ He has also judged on ‘The X Factor UK,’ ‘Britain’s Got Talent,’ along with the American versions of those shows.

He founded the British entertainment company ‘Syco,’ which is behind all of his TV and recording productions. Simon started in the 80s and 90s as a record producer and talent scout. In 2001, Simon’s brutally honest judging of talent on Britain’s ‘Pop Idol’ brought him notoriety.

Simon was included in ‘Time’ magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’ list in 2004 and again in 2010. In 2008, ‘The Daily Telegraph’ ranked Simon 6th on their list of ‘100 Most Powerful People in British Culture.’

After his success in Britain, Simon crossed over to American TV with his first stint as a judge on ‘American Idol’ in 2002. America loved to hate him for his cruel evaluations of contestants on the show. Simon appeared heartless when reviewing the amateur singers’ talent.

Over the years, he’s softened his style and even displayed heart and emotion, endearing him to the public. In 2018, he received his star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame,’ solidifying his impact on American entertainment.