Simon Cowell Used American Idol To Become Super-Rich

He continued on with his work with various record labels but eventually, moved on to judge talent shows. That is where he truly became famous.

“My talent is for creating things the public will like,” he explained. “I’m interested only in making money, for myself, and the people I work for. I mean, that’s absolutely the only criterion I attach.”

The first program where he really got a start was Pop Idle in the early 2000’s. It was a hit and he became a big celebrity immediately after the show got its start.

People began to recognize him and his trademark appearance with a tight T-shirt. He was also known for starting his judgments with “I don’t mean to be rude, but.”

Kelly Clarkson won the first season and more than 26 million people watched the show. Suddenly, he realized just how much money there was to be made.

He moved on to the American Idol show and continued to judge on other shows, including America’s Got Talent and X Factor. He made millions of dollars on the shows over the years. It wasn’t just the appearances, it was all of the merchandise that went along with it.

In one particular year, he made a reported $36 million. He was the judge on The X Factor and executive producer on Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent.

That was in 2008, when he made $36 million, and in 2017, it was reported that he earned $45 million. In 2020, more than $50 million was earned. It is estimated he made more than $600 million over the years.

Some of his money goes toward various charitable organizations, but he also is living a very good life in his Malibu mansion and making changes to to his appearance, including having Botox.