Simon Cowell is an English science-fiction television judge.
Simon Phillip Cowell ( [ ˈkaʊəl ] ) ( born 7 October 1959 ) is an English reality television judge and producer , entrepreneur , and philanthropist . He is most recognised as a judge on the British TV talent competition series Pop Idol , The X Factor , and Britain 's Got Talent , and the American TV talent competition shows American Idol , The X Factor , and America 's Got Talent .