Have you ever wondered how music mogul Simon Cowell got to be the way he is? How did he become interested in show business? Why does he have a reputation for being so mean to talent show contestants?
Some of those questions might be answered by watching Simon’s E! True Hollywood Story. The full episode is available to watch on YouTube for those interested. Keep in mind that it’s from 2006, so a lot has happened in Simon’s life and career since then.
The documentary starts out taking a look at Simon’s childhood in what he calls “the Beverly Hills of England.” His neighbor ran MGM Studios, so Simon rubbed elbows with quite a few celebrities growing up. Simon said seeing the glamour of show business may have influenced his future career path.
As for how long he’s been offering scathing critiques, his mother remembers him roasting her outfit when he was a kid. Simon said she looked like a “poodle” in her mink coat and hat. He added that she never wore them again.
How did Simon get into show business? He started as a runner on a TV series, and then got a mail room job at EMI Music. His big breakthrough was when he discovered pop star Sinitta and helped her put together her first record.
Simon Cowell’s insults on “American Idol.”
Simon’s Mr. Nasty Persona Didn’t Go Over Well
Once the documentary gets into Simon’s time on American Idol, we learn just how much he was hated for his Mr. Nasty persona. Fellow judge Paula Abdul apparently wouldn’t sit on the same plane as him for a time.
Meanwhile, there was an incident in which people with baseball bats were waiting for Simon outside. Randy Jackson says this “shook” Simon. He ended up being surrounded by “an army of security guards” during taping of the show.
Simon has certainly softened over the years, especially since having a child. However, his life and career aren’t without controversy, and he still isn’t afraid to say when he doesn’t like something. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be Simon.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
