Simon Cowell

Simon Phillip Cowell (born October 7, 1959) is an English A&R executive, televison producer, entrepreneur, and television personality who became known in both the UK and the United States for his work as a talent judge as shows such as Pop Idol, American Idol, and The X-Factor just to name a few.

As a judge, Cowell is known for his blunt, honest, and sometimes controversial criticisms, insults, and wisecracks about contestants and their abiliites or lack there of. He is also known for combining activites in music and telelvision, having promoted singles and records for various artists, including television personalities.

After 9 seasons, Cowell left American Idol in May 2010 to focus on the American version of his hit UK talent show The X-Factor. The show, which reunited Cowell with his fellow former Idol judge Paula Abdul, premiered on September 21, 2011 and was renewed for a second season.

Season 1
For season 1 of The X-Factor, Cowell mentored the Girls catagory, which consisted of winner Melanie Amaro, Drew, and Rachel Crow.

Season 2
For season 2, Cowell, along with LA Reid, was joined on the judging panel by Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. He mentored the Groups catagory, something that he did before on the UK version of the show. His catagory consisted of Fifth Harmony, Emblem3, Sister C and Lyric 145.

Season 3
For the second season in a row, Cowell mentored the Groups catagory. His acts were Alex & Sierra (who won), Restless Road, Sweet Suspense, and RoXxy Montana.