Simon's New 'Idol' Deal: $144M?
I reported here last week that "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell was working with British retail billionaire Sir Philip Green to create a new entertainment company that would handle all of Cowell's affairs, including "Idol," and his British shows, "Britain's Got Talent" and "The X Factor," according to the Financial Times of London.The company's first order of business for the new company is a new contract for Cowell with "Idol" that would presumably extend beyond next season, which he has been saying might be his last. At the time, sources said the deal was so big it would likely make Cowell the highest-paid person in television, bumping Oprah Winfrey off the top of the heap.
Now The Guardian is reporting that the deal is three to four times as much as the $36 million Simon earned on "Idol" last season, which would put it in the range of $108 million to $144 million.
Other reports this week have said that Simon is working on a five-year deal with Fox that would give the network the first chance at any show he wants to develop in the United States, which means it's looking more and more likely that he'll eventually import "The X Factor," the show Simon started after Britain's "Pop Idol" ended, which produced Leona Lewis.
*** Click here to comment! What do you think? Should Simon stay for a 10th season, or more? Is it better to leave when the show is still on top?
Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 06-30-2009 05:07 PM
I wouldn't watch if Simon left.
simon has to do as simon wants to do...support him all the way..but there is NOT AN AMERICAN IDOL WITHOUT SIMON ...hes the PIZZAZZ...THE CHERRY ON A SUNDAE...THE TOP OF THE HEAP...ICING ON THE CAKE...hes SIMON
There will come a day when Simon is not part of American Idol. I hope it's when the show itself concludes, because I don't think AI would be as good without him. Simon has a grueling schedule, but for our sake I hope he can manage it another few years.
American Idol would not be American Idol without Simon. It would just be some other singing contest that nobody cares about. SIMON MUST STAY!!! I mean, Randy and Paula are cool too, but Simon is the only judge (other than Randy, some) that anyone listens to. When he gives a compliment, it actually means something because you know he wouldn't say it just so that he wouldn't hurt anybody's feelings!
If there's no Simon, there's no show!!!!
Yes, I hope Simon stays! And I hope this might mean that his billionaire buds can help him put a new twist on the show -- put those big bucks to work!! And, also to GIVE BACK!!!
WOW, Victor did you say FT quoted more $$ than Oprah??
WOW, Victor did you say FT quoted more $$ than Oprah??
Simon needs to stay, he is the biggest reason I watch the show. I think he is the show. The rest could be easly replaced especially Paula, she needs to go. I am sick of her.
I never watch crummy shows like this anyway, so who cares what happens with or to, Simon?
I agree Simon needs to stay, he might be somewhat brash in his comments, but he is truthful
Real question is who is Simon w/o American Idol? That's the reason he's cutting a deal.He would like to go beyond it but is the U.S. still going to PAY attention to
Simon?
Simon?
yes 100 %he makes the show ,with his predictions ,even if we dont like some of them ,when you think american idol .you think simon cowell .yes he should stay. roberta fusco
Simon is who i'd like to be like.Intelligent,manly,attitude,honest and truthful.He guards his sweet and kind,sensitive side as he should. you can't be both to be the man he is.I have often seen his gentle, loving heart.when his eyes watered as susan boyle sang thats when i realized he was a guy that i could love like a brother.He shoud stay with AI as long as he can.most tv sucks. AI is the only tv i watch other than the news.
Yes by all means Simon should stay. I like his truthfulness. Like he says, it is his opinion - but what can you say when he has discovered El Divo, Tele Tubbies, Leona Lewis, Adam Lambert, Susan Boyle - he can select talent. Like he says is it only his opinion and he hopes his opinion spurs the contestants into trying harder and think about their presentations - I do not believe anyone who can recognize talent like Simon should leave AI when they really can tell who is the talented person. The contestants voted off have been voted off by the listening and watching audiences - not Simon. He is there to help with his opinions regardless of how brutal we feel they may be. All the judges are. Like Simon say they are looking for world wide stars. Good for Simon - just watch who's albums sell and who's songs are downloaded the most. The truth is the truth. Listen to Simon whether you agree or disagree with his opinion he knows. The popular person may not be the posted talented - AI is a singing and talent contest with good stage presence. God Bless him and all that listen to AI.
Gee, it's pretty simple to us. Simon =American Idol. Like or dislike the other judges, without him there is no show.
As far as I am concerened SIMON is IDOL, the only reason he gets a bad rep is because he tells it like it is and doesn't sugar coat it. He is one of the many reason's I watch idol. If SIMON were not there I would defently NOT WATCH!! SIMON ROCKS!!!
IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO GIVE SIMON ALL THAT MONEY.... AMERICAN IDOL IS GOING TO END SOON IF THEY DONT CHANGE THE OLD FORMAT OF THE SHOW. THEY NEED TO HAVE THE JUDGES VOTING ALONG WITH AMERICA EACH WEEK, SIMULAR TO DANCING WITH THE STARS, OR THE SHOW WILL NEVER MAKE IT MUCH LONGER......RICH1
Simon should stay on idol because his comments are reality. I am a singer and I agree with mostly all of his comment when observing the talent. Most of the singers that has won in the past are not that good. It's really based on the fans and who they like. They are the ones who are buying the product.
Yes! Simon Cowel should stay on Idol. I like the way he judges the contestants, he might be blunt, tell them like it is, but hey, this reality.
I found myself agreeing with him more than once !
He is American Idol, without him as a judge, where would the show go!!
I watch the show because of the singing and some of the contestants' quality. Second, because of Simon. He's the rock of that show.
I'd lost interest if he was to leave...
I found myself agreeing with him more than once !
He is American Idol, without him as a judge, where would the show go!!
I watch the show because of the singing and some of the contestants' quality. Second, because of Simon. He's the rock of that show.
I'd lost interest if he was to leave...
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:12:18 GMT | knightlife