After the success of Britain’s Got Talent across the pond, an American version of it was brought to America, aptly named America’s Got Talent (AGT). Along with the show came judge Simon Cowell. Does Simon Cowell own AGT?
Simon Cowell is the creator and Executive Producer of America’s Got Talent. The production company Syco, which Cowell also owns, is one of the Producers of the show.
America’s Got Talent is not the only show that Cowell helms, also being the creator of the X Factor franchise, as well as other television series, not all of which are singing competitions. He’s got a long list of companies and accomplishments on his resume, making him one of the top executives in the music industry.
Popularity of Talent Competition Shows
The past few years talent competitions have gained popularity again. Over the decades there have always been talent shows, such as Soul Train, Star Search, Putting on the Hits, and many others.
Within the past several years, however, there seems to be an influx of talent competition shows, and people just can’t get enough. You have American Idol, The Voice, The Masked Singer, America’s Got Talent, and the XFactor, to name a few.
These are just the American versions, many, if not all, have equivalents in other countries as well. One show that’s extremely popular across the pond is Eurovision, which showcases not just the singing, but writing and stage performances as well.
Simon Cowell plays a big part in many of these shows, in America and Britain. He often plays multiple roles in these shows such as Judge, Executive Producer, and head of the lead Production Company.
The Got Talent franchise is by far Cowell’s most successful one to date, receive the Guinness Book of World Records title for World’s Most Successful Reality TV Show. There are currently 58 versions of it all around the world, and it’s produced on every continent except for Antarctica.
These shows prove that there are many talented people out there, whether born or bred, and the world just can’t get enough. Shows like X-Factor and America’s Got Talent are different in that they allow people of all ages, with all different types of talents, to audition.
America’s Got Talent
America’s Got Talent is currently airing its 15th Season of the show and Simon Cowell continues to be at the helm. There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of talented acts that have auditioned over the years for their chance at the $1 million prize.
Some of the top talent to emerge from the AGT pipeline include Terry Fator and Darci Lynne Farmer, and Season 13 winner, magician Shin Lim went on to win AGT: Champions, where he went up against winners from all over the world, as well.
There have been many memorable acts, and even if your favorite doesn’t win, that doesn’t mean you won’t hear from them again in the future. Just being on the show has launched careers for many non-winners as well.
Coming Up for Cowell
I wouldn’t be surprised if Simon Cowell’s dominance of reality-based television was far from over. In addition to the 15th Season of America’s Got Talent, he will also be releasing the 2nd Season of his British dance show, The Greatest Dancer, which will be airing on the BBC later in 2020.
In addition to dropping golden nuggets on television, and in the music industry, he also plays the role of Dad to his six-year-old son Eric. It was because of Eric that Simon recently lost a lot of weight, so that he could be around for years to come.
Cowell and Eric have also teamed up for a series of children’s books based on a game they used to play, coming up with imaginary animals that are a cross between two real animals. Money from the Wishfits series will go to two children’s charities.