Over the last three decades, there’s been no shortage of big-name judges on reality competition shows. But Simon Cowell? He’s in a league of his own. He first became a household name in the U.S. in 2002 when he joined Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson on “American Idol.”
For nine seasons, fans watched him deliver brutally honest critiques and unforgettable one-liners.
In 2010, he moved over to “America’s Got Talent”, where he currently sits alongside Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B.
He returned for Season 20, which premiered May 27, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. With such a long-standing TV presence, it’s no surprise people are asking…
What Is Simon Cowell’s Net Worth in 2025?
If you’ve ever wondered just how much Simon Cowell is worth these days, the answer might blow your mind.
According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Simon’s estimated net worth in 2025 is a whopping $600 million. This number doesn’t even include his U.K. income — it’s just based on his U.S. earnings from hit shows like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent”, plus his music ventures.
How Much Does Simon Cowell Make From ‘America’s Got Talent’?
Simon hasn’t publicly confirmed what he earns per season of AGT, but reports estimate it’s about $45 million a year — a number that’s pretty close to what he made in his Idol days.
Simon’s American Idol Paychecks Were Massive
When Simon first signed on to “American Idol” in the early 2000s, he reportedly earned $8 million per season. However, as the show gained popularity, so did his salary.
A 2005 New York Times report claimed Simon scored a five-year deal that paid him $36 million per season.
By 2009, he was allegedly offered an even bigger renewal — $45 million a year — but chose to leave instead. All in all, over nine seasons, Simon is believed to have earned approximately $204 million solely from American Idol.
Simon Was A Power Player in Music Long Before TV
Simon didn’t start in TV — he got his start in the music business. As a teenager, he worked at EMI Music, though he left after about a year and a half.
“My mum, I remember her face, she said, ‘I’ve got some really exciting news for you,’” he shared on The Diary of a CEO With Steven Bartlett podcast in October 2024. “I said, ‘What?’ She said, ‘I think there’s a better job for you at EMI music publishing and you’re gonna have an interview.’”
That one job interview led to a long and lucrative music career. He went on to launch Syco Music and Syco TV, signing major acts such as One Direction and producing shows like The X Factor.
In 2019, he bought out Sony’s stake in the TV side of their partnership, gaining complete control of the Got Talent franchise under Syco Entertainment.
Simon Cowell didn’t just build a career — he built an empire. Between his music deals, his long-running TV gigs, and savvy business moves behind the scenes, it’s no surprise his net worth is approaching $600 million in 2025. And with “America’s Got Talent” still going strong into its 20th season, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
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Simon Cowell Net Worth: His Stunning AGT Salary REVEALED