Simon Cowell has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
Joined by original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Louis Tomlinson, Sony Music CEO Rob Stringer and America’s Got Talent judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Mel B, Cowell celebrated his career as label executive and creator of long-running TV series The X Factor, America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent.
“It’s been a blast the last 18 years,” said Cowell. “If anyone says fame is a bad thing, I don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s the best thing in the world.”
“He appreciates you being yourself, and that’s very rare. In this industry I think people just want you to fit in to something,” said Clarkson.
During the event on Hollywood Boulevard, Rob Stringer recalled Cowell’s start as a record label executive.
“He was a fledgling A&R guy who refused to have his office with the other A&R [staff], but rather he sat with the sales department because he wanted to know what was going on in the world,” said Stringer. “On a personal note, the two of us grew up pretty much the same time in the 1970s. Britain in the ’70s was not in colour, it was in black and white. So when we looked to Hollywood through its TV shows, music and movies, we could only aspire. Growing up, this is not what either of us expected.”
The ceremony took place as Cowell confirmed he has renewed his deal as a judge and exec producer on America’s Got Talent.
"Simon Cowell is an extraordinary showman whose success stories over the years on multiple continents speak for themselves," said Paul Telegdy, president of NBC Entertainment's Alternative and Reality Group. "We are thrilled that he will continue as a judge on America’s Got Talent and that his stewardship of the franchise will go forward for many years to come."
"I want to thank NBC for their continued passion and belief for America’s Got Talent over the past few years," said Cowell. "Without NBC, we wouldn’t be making Got Talent and I’m very proud to work with them. Together, with a fantastic production team, we have been able to attract the best talent in the world. I'm very excited for the next few years."
In the UK, The X Factor is set to return on ITV on September 1.
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