Simon Cowell
Simon Phillip Cowell (born 7 October 1959) is an English reality TV celebrity, music and television producer and talent scout (also known as A&R executive). He is known in the United Kingdom and United States for his role as a talent judge on TV shows such as Pop Idol, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and American Idol. He owns the television production and music publishing house Syco. As a judge, Cowell is known for his blunt and often controversial criticisms, insults and wisecracks about contestants and their abilities. He is also known for combining activities in both the television and music industries, having promoted singles and records for various artists, including television personalities. He was most recently featured on the eighth series of Britain's Got Talent and the eleventh series of The X Factor. In 2004 and 2010, American magazine Time named Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2010, British magazine New Statesman listed Cowell at number 41 in a list of "50 People who Matter" in 2010. TV Guide named him #10 in their 2013 list of The 60 Nastiest Villains of All Time.