Simon Phillip Cowell was born in Lambeth, London, to Eric Philip Cowell, an estate agent and music industry executive, and Julie Brett, a former ballet dancer and socialite.

After dropping out of Dover College at 16, Cowell started his career in the mail room at EMI Music Publishing. He later became an assistant to an A&R executive in 1979, marking the beginning of his journey in the music industry.

Cowell and a partner formed the independent label Fanfare Records, which enjoyed some success before folding in 1989. This period was a crucial learning experience for Cowell in the music industry.

Following the closure of Fanfare Records, Cowell joined BMG Records as an artist and repertoire consultant. Here, he signed several successful acts, selling over 150 million records and 70 top-charting singles in the UK and the US.

Cowell teamed up with Simon Fuller to produce 'Pop Idol,' a British TV show where the public chose the next big music star. The show was an instant success, leading to the creation of its American counterpart, 'American Idol,' in 2002.

After the success of 'American Idol,' Cowell launched 'The X Factor' in the UK, a talent competition that quickly gained popularity and later expanded to international markets. This show further solidified Cowell's influence in the entertainment industry.

Cowell became the executive producer of several new American shows, including 'American Inventor,' 'America’s Got Talent,' and 'Celebrity Duets.' These shows showcased his versatility and ability to create engaging television content.

Cowell launched 'Britain’s Got Talent,' which became an instant hit and led to the creation of the global 'Got Talent' franchise. This show highlighted Cowell's ability to capture the public's imagination with diverse talent competitions.

Cowell left 'American Idol' to focus on the U.S. version of 'The X Factor,' which debuted in 2011. Although the U.S. version of 'The X Factor' was eventually cancelled, Cowell continued to influence television with other projects.

Cowell joined 'America’s Got Talent' as a judge, further expanding his presence in American television. This role has been ongoing, showcasing his enduring influence in talent competitions.

Cowell created 'The Greatest Dancer' for the BBC, another successful television format that highlighted his innovative approach to entertainment programming.