«MORE THAN ANYTHING PEOPLE JUST WANT STARS»

Yes, him. The most influential person in reality television isn't merely the most galvanizing performer on America's top-rated program. He's not just the highest-paid primetime TV personality and a successful producer in two countries. And he's certainly not, as he described himself during a moment of humility before a recent taping of "American Idol," just "a judge on a bloody talent show." Cowell tops this list because only he knows the answer to the most tantalizing question in reality TV: What will Simon Cowell do next?His contract is up after next season of "Idol," and Cowell, 49, is not shy about his willingness to leave."The idea that for the next five years, I'd be doing exactly what I've been doing for the past five years ... the thought is just too depressing," Cowell says in his trailer before walking over to the "Idol" stage at CBS Television City. "I'd go nuts, bored out of my mind. You have to evolve, you have to change. I like the challenge of launching something new."

-The Hollywood Reporter
May 17 2009