Simon Cowell's wage on American Idol! Music mogul Simon Cowell's £19million salary for his work on hit American Idol has sparked controversy on the set of the talent show - because he's earning far more than his fellow judges. The show's former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has finally come forward to confirm Cowell's earnings after he was profiled in financial magazine Forbes. And though Lythgoe insists the star is worth the multi-million dollar fee, he admits there has been jealousy between Cowell and his counterparts, judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. He says, "There is always jealousy in every job. Why is he getting more than the other two judges? Because it is believed that he brings more to the table. He has actually handled his negotiations quite brilliantly. He's only ever negotiated by the year. And now he is getting something like GBP11,892 per minute." Madness.
to each his own like proudy. I like the bloke - despite the fact he was responsible for roland rat . He seems to have his head screwed on. It is a stupid amount, but the producers are fools for being willing to pay that much.
Seems about right. Most watched show in America, millions made in the phone in & he is the main star. I guess by the comment "He's only ever negotiated by the year" means either Paula or Randy or maybe both of them wanted a long term deal at the start.
The show is HIS format, he can charge what he likes. If they dont want to pay him, they dont have to. He makes the show what it is though - taking him away would be like shooting yourself in the foot.
If the Producers or whoever negotiates the details of his contract of payment (for his show format) say yes, then more fool them if the high numbers get out. Regardless, good on Cowell I say. He's shrewd enough to play things as he has and right he should given he's been doing this whole format for yonks. Agree with my bro above - he's a key ingredient in the success of the show and makes the judging element seem credible. Get rid of Simon Cowell and you remove the balls of the entire show/format.
