Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Check back daily for more info on the most powerful people in your city. Today, we check in on American Idol judge Simon Cowell, who is winding down his final season on the show he turned into an iconic part of popular culture.
SIMON COWELL
Category: Thinkers
Industry: Entertainment
Company: Syco
What MADE Him Haute: Cowell made a name for himself in the U.S. for his brutal judgment of talent on American Idol. He also hosts Britain’s Got Talent and Pop Idol, and owns television production and music publishing house Syco.
What Makes Him Haute Now He just finished his stint as American Idol’s most critical judge, thus departing from an empire that he helped create, yet he couldn’t seem happier about his decision. Cowell says he can now focus on his production work in the U.K. rather than traveling back and forth to the States throughout the week. Perhaps his grueling schedule is being toned down because of his fiancé Mezhgan Hussainy, whom has reportedly warmed the heart of the cold-hearted television personality. Though a date has not yet been confirmed to the press, the happy couple are planning four weddings: one in Britain, two in the United States and another in the Caribbean. But the lavish nuptials won’t put a dent in the TV tycoon’s wallet; his reported net worth is nearing $185 million.
