Simon Cowell’s Yearly Earnings
Even if Sting doesn’t like it, the X Factor is a phenomenal success. Some people watch it for the cringe value, some for the singing, and some (like me) just to shout at the telly whenever Simon rolls his eyes at the incompetence of the people his researchers have invited along specifically for their lack of talent and capacity for self delusion. If you invite them along for the audience to laugh at, don’t pretend that they’re wasting your time… especially if they’re part of the formula that’s netting you an eight figure takehome!
Forbes published their rich list, and Music News have plucked out the top ten earning TV stars:
Prime Time TV’s Top Earning ten according to Forbes magazine:
1. Simon Cowell – $75 million
2. Donald Trump – $50 million
3. Ryan Seacrest – $38 million
4. Charlie Sheen – $21 million
5. Steve Carell – $20 million
(the rest of the list on Music News)
Cowell’s vast income is based not just on his salary as a judge on the show, but also on his ownership of the production company that owns and licenses the format worldwide, and on the exploitation of contracts with the various winners. Similarly to my take on the inimitable Mr. Williams, I don’t like Cowell’s modus operandi, but there’s no denying that he’s achieved more than enough success to warrant his smug self-righteousness.