SIMON COWELL’S GOT A NOSE FOR TALENT

The 18th season of America’s Got Talent (May 30 on NBC) returns with Cowell, 63, once again at the judges’ table, along with Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara, as they oversee a new group of aspiring performers competing for the $1 million grand prize. Following are some fun facts about the “Brit Wit,” who is the creator of the Got Talent franchise, as well as a judge.

Cowell wasn’t always rich (his 2023 net worth is estimated at $600 Million). He started his career in the mailroom at EMI Music Publishing, a job his father helped him land.

He formed Fanfare Records in 1985. The usiness failed after four rs, and Cowell was d to move back in with ents.

Cowell and producer Simon Fuller created Pop Idol in the U.K., which was the first time Cowell served as a TV judge. The show later moved to the U.S. as American Idol.

He’s credited (with Nicole Scherzinger’s help) with forming hit boy band One Direction on The X Factor UK. Fifth Harmony is another of Cowell’s successful acts.