The brutally honest Brit, Simon Phillip Cowell was born on October 7, 1959, in Brighton, East Sussex, England. In America Simon is best know as a talent judge for America Idol. In England he was also on Pop Idol, The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

Cowell attended Dover College. Simon’s father, an executive at EMI Music Publishing, got Simon a job in the Mail room. Using his father’s connections Simon began working his way to the top. He got a job as an assistant to an artists and repertoire man in the company.  In the 1980’s he was promoted to a music publishing position. He formed E &S Music with his boss at EMI and they had several hit records.

A few years later Simon left E&S good terms.

Simon then went to work for Lain Burton a manger for chorographers for eight years.  They created Fanfare the music label. Unfortunately fanfare fell into the hands of BMG and Simon found himself in debt. He moved in with his parents for a short time and finally got a job as an A&R man for BMG.

In 2001, he became a judge for the series Pop Idol and American Idol. Simon quickly became famous for his high standards and brutishly critical remarks. But, America loves the bad guy. Simon Cowell quickly became a household name. In 2003, He also appeared in World Idol. During World idol is was evident that each country had its own “Simon” behind the judges table.

In 2006, Simon ventured out of music with the show American Inventor. Also in 2006, He signed a contract to do Simon has also lent his voice to many animated characters. He did guest spots on The Simpsons and Family Guy.

In January 2010, Simon announced he would be leaving American Idol. He has signed on to do an American version or Britain’s X Factor, in 2011.

Simon published an autobiography in 2003, entitled, “I Don’t Mean to be Rude. But…” Simon is very involved in charity work.  He supports many charities such as, The association of Children’s Hospices and PETA.

Simon Recently purchased a $22 million home in Los Angeles.  Simon has turned is sometimes rash personality into Hollywood gold.  I hate to see him leave Idol, but, I am excited about the X Factor series.