History of Simon Cowell in Timeline
Simon Cowell is a prominent English television personality, entrepreneur, and record executive. He gained fame as a judge on popular talent competition shows like Pop Idol, The X Factor UK, Britain's Got Talent, American Idol, The X Factor US, and America's Got Talent. Cowell is also the founder of the entertainment company Syco, demonstrating his business acumen within the music and television industries.
1918: Father's Birth Year
Eric Selig Phillip Cowell, Simon Cowell's father, was born in 1918.
1925: Mother's Birth Year
Julie Brett, Simon Cowell's mother, was born in 1925.
1956: Opportunity Knocks On Screen
In 1956, the British talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' began airing, popularizing the use of telephone voting for selecting the winner. This show, with weekly audiences of 20 million, showcased a variety of performers, including singers, dancers, comedians, and novelty acts, which Cowell cited as an inspiration for 'Got Talent'.
October 1959: Simon Cowell's Birth
In October 1959, Simon Phillip Cowell was born. He is an English television personality, entrepreneur, and record executive.
1980: Runner on "The Shining"
In 1980, Simon Cowell briefly worked as a runner on Stanley Kubrick's horror film, "The Shining."
1983: Quit E&S Music
In 1983, Simon Cowell quit E&S Music, a company he formed with his former boss at EMI.
1986: First Hit Song
In 1986, Simon Cowell had his first hit song with "So Macho" by Sinitta.
1989: Fanfare Records Implosion
In 1989, Fanfare Records went under, leading to Pete Waterman freezing the company's assets and Simon Cowell nearly becoming bankrupt.
1995: Robson & Jerome Success
In 1995, Simon Cowell persuaded Robson Green and Jerome Flynn to record "Unchained Melody", which became the best-selling single of the year.
1999: Father's Death
In 1999, Simon Cowell's father, Eric Selig Phillip Cowell, passed away.
February 2001: Pitch for Pop Idol
On Tuesday 13 February 2001, Simon Cowell and Simon Fuller pitched their idea for Pop Idol to Alan Boyd.
2001: Pop Idol Judge
In 2001, Simon Cowell became a judge on Pop Idol, a British television talent competition.
2001: Judge on Pop Idol
In 2001, Simon Cowell became a judge on the first series of Pop Idol.
2001: Public Prominence on Pop Idol
In 2001, Simon Cowell gained public prominence as a judge on Pop Idol.
2002: Relationship with Terri Seymour Begins
In 2002, Cowell began dating English presenter Terri Seymour.
2002: American Idol Judge
In 2002, Simon Cowell became a judge on the first season of American Idol.
2002: S Records
In 2002, Simon Cowell founded Syco Music, also known as S Records.
November 2003: Children in Need Appearance
In November 2003, Cowell appeared on the BBC's charity telethon 'Children in Need', where viewers pledged money to see him get sawn in half.
December 2003: Autobiography Publication
In December 2003, Cowell published his autobiography, 'I Don't Mean to be Rude, but....', detailing his life and career experiences.
2003: World Idol Appearance
In 2003, Simon Cowell appeared on the one-off World Idol programme.
2004: Game Show and SNL Appearances
In 2004, Cowell appeared on an episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Saturday Night Live.
2004: Creation of The X Factor
In 2004, Simon Cowell created The X Factor.
2004: The X Factor UK
In 2004, Simon Cowell started judging The X Factor UK.
2004: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2004, Time Magazine named Simon Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2004: Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
In 2004, Time magazine recognized Simon Cowell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2005: Royal Ascot Racing Club Partner
In 2005, Cowell was a partner in the Royal Ascot Racing Club, which owned the Epsom Derby winner, Motivator.
2005: Syco Formation
In 2005, Simon Cowell formed a new company, Syco, divided into Syco Music, Syco TV, and Syco Film.
2005: Australian X Factor Launch
In 2005, The X Factor launched in Australia on Network Ten but was cancelled after one season.
March 2006: American Inventor Debuts on ABC
In March 2006, 'American Inventor', co-produced by Cowell and Peter Jones, premiered on ABC. The show featured entrepreneurs competing to create the best new product concept.
June 2006: America's Got Talent Debut
In June 2006, 'America's Got Talent,' executive produced by Cowell, premiered on NBC. The show garnered around 12 million viewers per week, becoming a major success.
November 2006: Angelis Debut Album
In November 2006, Angelis, a child version of Il Divo created by Simon Cowell, released their debut album.
2006: Celebrity Duets Executive Production
In 2006, Cowell executive-produced 'Celebrity Duets', a show described as "an Idol show for Hollywood superstars", featuring Wayne Brady as the host and Marie Osmond, Little Richard, and David Foster as judges.
2006: Live with Regis and Kelly Guest Appearance
In 2006, Cowell guest-starred on Live with Regis and Kelly and introduced Dick Clark at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
2006: Creation of Got Talent
In 2006, Simon Cowell created Got Talent, which later became a successful television franchise.
2006: Last Win Until 2014
In 2006, Simon Cowell had Leona Lewis and Ray Quinn in the final.
June 2007: Britain's Got Talent Debut
In June 2007, 'Britain's Got Talent' premiered on ITV, with Cowell as a judge alongside Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan. The show quickly became a ratings success.
June 2007: This Is Your Life Appearance
On June 2, 2007, Cowell was chosen as the first subject of the relaunched British edition of This Is Your Life.
July 2007: Concert for Diana Appearance
On July 1, 2007, Cowell spoke at the Concert for Diana held at Wembley Stadium, London, to celebrate Princess Diana's life.
August 2007: The X Factor Return
On 18 August 2007, Simon Cowell returned for the fourth series of The X Factor alongside Osbourne, Walsh, and Dannii Minogue.
November 2007: Top Gear Appearance
In November 2007, Cowell appeared on Top Gear, achieving a time of 1:45.9, tying for second fastest.
2007: American Inventor Second Season
In 2007, 'American Inventor' returned for a second season, continuing the competition for the best new product concept.
2007: Grease Is the Word Airs on ITV
In 2007, Cowell executive produced 'Grease Is the Word' for ITV, aiming to cast the leads in a West End revival. The show didn't achieve the hoped-for success.
2007: Britain's Got Talent
In 2007, Simon Cowell started judging Britain's Got Talent.
2008: Britain's Got Talent Second Season
In 2008, 'Britain's Got Talent' aired its second season, following the success of the first.
2008: Rock Rivals ITV Drama Series Production
In 2008, Cowell collaborated with Shed Media to produce 'Rock Rivals', an ITV drama series based on an 'X Factor' type show.
2008: Relationship with Terri Seymour Ends
In 2008, Cowell's relationship with Terri Seymour ended.
2008: Received Special Recognition Award at National Television Awards
In 2008, Simon Cowell received the Special Recognition Award, presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber, at the National Television Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall.
2008: The X Factor Return
In 2008, Simon Cowell returned for the fifth series of The X Factor with Walsh, Minogue, and Cheryl Cole.
2008: Recognition in British Culture
In 2008, The Daily Telegraph ranked Simon Cowell sixth in their list of the "100 most powerful people in British culture". He also received the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards in London the same year.
2009: Britain's Got Talent Third Season
In 2009, 'Britain's Got Talent' aired its third season, featuring Susan Boyle's globally impactful audition.
2009: Patron of Children's Hospices UK
In 2009, Cowell became a patron of Children's Hospices UK.
January 2010: Cowell's Exit from American Idol
On 11 January 2010, Simon Cowell's exit from American Idol was made official.
May 2010: The Simpsons Guest Appearance
In May 2010, Cowell portrayed himself in an episode of The Simpsons, titled "Judge Me Tender".
October 2010: New ITV Deal
In October 2010, Simon Cowell signed a new three-year deal with ITV for Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor, retaining them until 2013.
2010: Engagement to Mezhgan Hussainy
In 2010, Cowell became engaged to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy.
2010: Haiti Earthquake Charity Single
In 2010, Cowell produced the charity single "Everybody Hurts" to aid victims of the Haiti earthquake, leading to speculation about a potential knighthood.
2010: Support for David Cameron
In 2010, Cowell publicly supported Conservative Party leader David Cameron for Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
2010: Added to Who's Who
In 2010, Cowell was added as a new entry to the latest edition of the UK's Who's Who.
2010: Australian X Factor Return
In 2010, The X Factor returned in Australia on the Seven Network.
2010: Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People and New Statesman List
In 2010, Time magazine again named Simon Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world. That same year, New Statesman listed Cowell at number 41 in their list of "50 People who Matter".
2010: Time's 100 Most Influential People (Again)
In 2010, Time named Simon Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world for a second time.
2010: The X Factor UK End
Simon Cowell was a judge on The X Factor UK from 2004 to 2010.
April 2011: Cowell's Focus on US X Factor
In April 2011, it was reported that Simon Cowell would no longer be a judge on the UK version of The X Factor but would remain a major presence backstage, focusing on the American version.
September 2011: American X Factor Launch
In September 2011, Simon Cowell launched The X Factor on Fox in America.
2011: One Direction Signed
After placing third in the seventh series of The X Factor in 2011, One Direction signed to Simon Cowell's label.
2011: The X Factor US
From 2011 to 2013, Simon Cowell was a judge on The X Factor US.
2011: Red or Black? Game Show Creation
In 2011, Cowell created his first game show, 'Red or Black?', for ITV, hosted by Ant & Dec. Series 1 was broadcast from 3 to 10 September.
2011: Engagement to Mezhgan Hussainy Ends
In 2011, Cowell's engagement to Mezhgan Hussainy ended.
2011: End of Patronage of Children's Hospices UK
In 2011, Cowell's patronage of Children's Hospices UK ended when the organization merged to become Together for Short Lives.
2011: First Win as a Mentor
In 2011, Simon Cowell's act Melanie Amaro won the season, making Cowell the winning judge.
2012: Pride of Britain Awards Tribute
At the 2012 Pride of Britain Awards, Cowell, along with others, recited Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" in tribute to the British Olympic and Paralympics athletes.
2012: Red or Black? Second Series Airs
In 2012, 'Red or Black?' was recommissioned by ITV for a second series, which aired weekly.
2012: Featured in BBC Radio 4 Series The New Elizabethans
In 2012, Simon Cowell was featured in the BBC Radio 4 series The New Elizabethans, which marked the diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. He was named among people in the UK who have had a significant impact during her reign.
July 2013: Adultery Allegations and Divorce Filing
In July 2013, Andrew Silverman filed for divorce from Lauren Silverman, citing adultery and naming Cowell as a co-respondent, leading to news of Lauren and Simon expecting a baby together.
August 2013: Divorce Settlement
In August 2013, the Silvermans settled their divorce out of court, preventing Cowell from being called as a witness.
September 2013: Third Season of The X Factor
In September 2013, Simon Cowell returned for a third season of The X Factor alongside Demi Lovato.
October 2013: Fundraising Event for Israeli Defense Forces
In October 2013, Cowell participated in a fundraising event in Los Angeles supporting the Israeli Defense Forces, donating $150,000.
October 2013: Potential Return to UK X Factor
In October 2013, it was reported that Simon Cowell might return to the UK version of The X Factor for series 11.
November 2013: ITV Deal Extended
On 15 November 2013, Simon Cowell's three-year deal with ITV was extended by another three years, keeping it on air until 2016.
2013: Statements About Voting Record
In 2013, Cowell contravened his previous statement, saying that while he has supported candidates, he has never voted in an election.
2013: The You Generation Launch
In 2013, Cowell partnered with YouTube to launch 'The You Generation', a video-sharing competition. He also executive produced the ITV cookery series 'Food Glorious Food'.
2013: Named One of TV Guide's Nastiest Villains of All Time
In 2013, TV Guide listed Simon Cowell at number 10 in their list of The 60 Nastiest Villains of All Time.
2013: The X Factor's Tenth Series
In 2013, The X Factor UK enjoyed its tenth series.
February 2014: Birth of Son Eric
In February 2014, Lauren Silverman gave birth to her and Cowell's son, Eric.
February 2014: Return to UK X Factor Confirmed
On 7 February 2014, Simon Cowell's return to the UK version of The X Factor was officially confirmed.
2014: Got Talent - World's Most Successful Reality TV Format
In 2014, 'Got Talent' was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's most successful reality TV format, with spin-offs in over 68 countries.
2014: The X Factor UK Return
In 2014, Simon Cowell returned to judging The X Factor UK and remained until 2018.
March 2015: Defends Jeremy Clarkson
In March 2015, Cowell defended Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after he was suspended by the BBC.
September 2015: La Banda US Launch
In September 2015, Cowell launched 'La Banda', his first US show since 'The X Factor', on Univision. The show aimed to discover male singers to form a Latino boy band.
October 2015: Cowell Replaces Howard Stern on America's Got Talent
In October 2015, Cowell was announced as the replacement for Howard Stern as a judge on 'America's Got Talent'.
2015: Return to X Factor
In 2015, Simon Cowell returned to the X Factor for its twelfth series, along with veteran judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and newcomers Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw.
2015: Mother's Death
In 2015, Simon Cowell's mother, Julie Brett, passed away.
2016: Support for Remaining in the EU
In 2016, Cowell expressed his support for the UK remaining in the EU in the EU referendum.
2016: Keep It in the Family Game Show Production
In 2016, Cowell served as executive producer for the ITV game show 'Keep it in the Family', presented by Bradley Walsh.
2016: America's Got Talent
In 2016, Simon Cowell started judging America's Got Talent.
2016: Australian X Factor Ratings Decline
In 2016, the ratings of The X Factor in Australia declined.
2016: End of ITV Deal
Simon Cowell's deal with ITV, signed in 2010 and extended in 2013, kept Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor on air until 2016.
January 2017: Australian X Factor Axed
In January 2017, The X Factor in Australia was axed for a second time.
June 2017: Grenfell Tower Fire Charity Single
In June 2017, Cowell arranged the recording and release of the charity single "Bridge over Troubled Water" to raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in London.
August 2018: Received Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On August 22, 2018, it was announced that Simon Cowell would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Television category.
2018: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2018, Simon Cowell received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the television category.
2018: The Greatest Dancer Creation
In 2018, it was announced that Cowell created his first show to air on the BBC, titled 'The Greatest Dancer',
2018: The X Factor UK End (Again)
Simon Cowell judged The X Factor UK from 2014 to 2018.
January 2019: The Greatest Dancer Debuts
In January 2019, Cowell's show 'The Greatest Dancer' debuted on BBC, with dancers competing for a prize and a performance on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
December 2019: Five-Year Deal with ITV
In December 2019, Cowell signed a five-year deal with ITV, ensuring 'Britain's Got Talent' would remain on the channel until 2024.
2019: Vegan Lifestyle and Wealth Ranking
In 2019, Cowell became vegan and was named one of the wealthiest people in the UK, with a worth of £385 million.
April 2020: Canadian Family's Got Talent Judging
In April 2020, Cowell judged 'Canadian Family's Got Talent', a spin-off of 'Canada's Got Talent', which was held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: Cowell Buys Out Sony Music From Syco Entertainment
On July 15, 2020, Cowell bought out Sony Music from their joint venture, Syco Entertainment, gaining full control of the company.
August 2020: Simon Cowell Breaks Back in Electric Motorcycle Accident
On August 8, 2020, Simon Cowell broke his back after falling off his new electric motorcycle while testing it at his home in Malibu, California. He was hospitalized and underwent back surgery. Following the accident, Cowell altered his diet to include animal-based foods to aid in his recovery.
December 2020: Judging X Factor Israel
In December 2020, it was announced that Simon Cowell would be a judge on The X Factor Israel in 2021.
2020: The Greatest Dancer, Second Series Airs
In 2020, the second series of The Greatest Dancer is scheduled to air.
May 2021: Cancellation of Appearance on X Factor Israel
In late May 2021, Simon Cowell announced he would be cancelling his appearance on The X Factor Israel.
January 2022: Engagement to Lauren Silverman
In January 2022, Cowell and Lauren Silverman confirmed their engagement.
2023: Wishfits Series Scheduled to Launch
In 2020, Simon Cowell announced that a seven-book series titled Wishfits, co-authored with his son, was scheduled to launch in 2023.
2024: End of ITV Deal
In 2024, Cowell's five-year deal with ITV for 'Britain's Got Talent' will end.
