Nickname: Mr Nasty/Judge Dread
Age: 42
Height: 5'9 (1.75 m)
D.O.B: 7th October 1959
Born: Brighton
Lives: Hereford
Parents: Julie and Eric
Siblings: 3 Brothers
Star Magazine June 2004
There almost wasn't a
Westlife - 11/01
Louis Walsh revealed in an interview that sharp-tongued Pop Idol
judge Simon Cowell almost let the groups slip through his fingers because he
didn't like Shane. He said, "Simon refused to sign Westlife until a replacement
was found. Then I suggested Shane should dye his hair - hoping Simon would would
think it was a new singer - and it worked! Simon didn't recognise him until
three months after the band was launched."
BIOGRAPHY
Simon Cowell has worked in music for over 20 years. He spots young unsigned bands and artists and if they are good signs them before other record companies get a look in! He then helps the band to style and shape their sound. Simon has signed Robson & Jerome, Westlife, Girl Thing and 5ive. He passed on an unknown band called Boyzone in 1993. So when Louis told him that he'd found another Irish boy band, Simon had a look straight away. When Simon first met the band they were still the original IOU line-up. Simon only wanted two of the lads, Mark and Kian. He didn't think Shane had talent and passed on him. So after Louis dyed Shane's hair blonde, got rid of Graham, Michael and Derek and drafted in Nicky and Bryan, Simon came back from a second look at the band now known as Westside. He liked the new line-up and loved the new blonde (Shane)! Two minutes into the showcase Simon stopped the lads. He didn't want to hear anymore...he'd sign them up for a contract!
| Name: Simon Philip Cowell Nickname: Mr Nasty/Judge Dread Age: 42 Height: 5'9 (1.75 m) D.O.B: 7th October 1959 Born: Brighton Lives: Hereford Parents: Julie and Eric Siblings: 3 Brothers |
Star Magazine June 2004 |
ARTICLES
Simon heard that a songwriting duo, Hector & Mac had a wicked new song called Flying without wings. Simon snapped the record up for Westlife and even says he wants a gospel choir on the backing track! Nice one, Mr Cowell.....
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Over the years, this man has made a name for himself and has become a respected key player in helping many talented artists to achieve their dreams. He is of course the man responsible for signing 'Westlife' to record label BMG and working closely with the group and together they have taken the Westlife flag to the heights it reaches today. With an eye for talent, dedication and hard work, Simon has achieved a lot on both a personal and professional level, and deserves the success he has earned in an industry not to be taken on lightly. While Mr Cowell has also become a household name with 'Pop Idol' and the USA version of the show where he uses his frank comments to best effect; whether you agree with his philosophy or not, you have to admit, after everything he's done he's certainly worthy of his title 'The Prince Of Pop'
| QUOTES |
 A&R Consultant and Executive Record Producer |
CREDENTIALS
Simon Cowell - A&R - Pop / MoR/Country / Dance - Unsolicited
Breakthrough credits: Westlife, Five, Robson & Jerome, Zig & Zag, Girl Thing Will Young, Gareth Gates, Six
A&R for Six for breakthrough song "There's A Whole Lot Of Loving Going On";
Gareth Gates for breakthrough song "Unchained Melody"; Will Young for breakthrough song "Evergreen/Anything Is Possible" in 2002;
Girl Thing for breakthrough song "Last One Standing" in 2000;
Westlife for breakthrough song "Swear It Again" in 1999;
Five for breakthrough song "Slam Dunk (Da Funk)" in 1998;
Robson & Jerome for breakthrough song "Unchained Melody/White Cliffs Of Dover" in 1995;
Zig & Zag for breakthrough song "Them Girls" in 1994 at RCA Records UK.
CONTACT ADDRESS
| BMG UK & Ireland Bedford House 69-79 Fulham High Street London SW6 3JW United Kingdom |
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C/O American Idol PO Box 900 Beverly Hills, CA 90213-0900 USA |
