Simon Cowell is an English television personality, music executive, and entrepreneur known for his work as a judge on major television talent competition shows such as Pop Idol, American Idol, The X Factor (UK and US versions), Britain's Got Talent, and America's Got Talent. He is recognized for his blunt and often harsh critiques of contestants, which became his signature style. Cowell founded Syco Entertainment and has been influential in the discovery and promotion of several successful music artists and groups like One Direction, Little Mix, and Leona Lewis. Born on October 7, 1959, in Brighton, England, Cowell started his career in the music industry working in the mailroom at EMI Music Publishing and later as an artist and repertoire consultant at BMG Records. He rose to public prominence as a judge on Pop Idol and expanded his influence by creating and producing formats like The X Factor and Got Talent franchises, which have been sold internationally. Cowell also authored an autobiography titled "I Don’t Mean to Be Rude, but…" published in 2003. He has a son and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.