Simon Cowell will not feature as a judge on the new talent show "Grease Is The Word"

Biography Of Simon Cowell

Simon Philip Cowell is a British artist and repertoire (A&R) executive for Sony BRM in the UK, but is known throughout the world as the nasty, blunt judge from the television programs Pop Idol, The X Factor, American Idol and Britain's Got Talent. Cowell, the high waisted controversial judge, is soon to unleash his new reality TV venture Grease is the Word to ITV. This new musical reality show will see a panel of judges sift though thousands of hopeful Danny Zuko's and Sandy Dumbrowski's to find the perfect leads for the resurrection of Grease in the West End. Simon Cowell is also known for being behind some of the biggest selling music acts and combining activities in the television and music industries - having produced singles and records for various television characters such as the Teletubbies.

Simon Cowell's rise to fame

Born in Brighton and brought up in Elstree, Hertfordshire, Cowell was the son of a property developer and music industry property executive (Eric Cowell) and a popular socialite Julie Cowell.

Cowell's million pound success was not due to education, he dropped out of school at 17 and took a few menial jobs to which even then his sharp tongue caused rifts with co-workers and bosses. His father soon took control of his son's career and got him a job in the mail room at EMI Music Publishing, of which his father was an executive.

Quick to climb the work ladder, Cowell set up his own record label 'Fanfare' with partner Iain Burton and sailed up the music charts having hits with various records. Recognizing a success when they see one, BMG offered Simon the position of A&R Consultant in 1989 and he pioneered some of the biggest selling hits in the industry during his time at BMG - managing the likes of 'Five' and 'Westlife'. Cowell can also branched out to television and can be credited with the emergence of TV hits from the likes of cartoon puppets 'Zig & Zag', 'The Teletubbies' and 'Robson & Jerome'.

Cowell was not only successful with Fanfare and BMG, his other company 'S Records' saw him smashing record sales with over 25 million albums, over 70 top 30 records, and 17 Number 1 singles - 'Westlife' achieving an astonishing 10 Number 1 hits alone. In June 2003, Cowell sold his half-share in S Records for $42 million to BMG, thus becoming a multi-millionaire.

Cowell began to turn his focus towards television and joined forces with Simon Fuller to produce the popular talent show 'Pop Idol' in which Cowell and a panel of judges comment on aspiring singers. 'Pop Idol' became a worldwide success, attracting over 11 million viewers and rocketing Cowell into instant stardom in both the UK and USA. Cowell then went to set up his own production company 'Syco TV' and co-produce the new breed of talent show the 'X Factor' which will see it's fourth series returning to our screens this year. Cowell began to add more television shows to his belt, with American Inventor, America's Got Talent and Celebrity Duets. This Year Cowell's production company will break into theatre with his musical spin off of the 'X factor' called "You Are The One That I Want".

With all his new ventures and secure contracts with American Idol and ITV, it is no wonder that Simon Cowell has made it on to The Sunday Times Rich List at 944th position worth a massive £60m. Watch ITV's Grease is the Word on April 7th.

Relevant Information for Grease - The London Show

Grease
Dig out those Pink Ladies and T-Bird jackets as Grease is set to re-appear in the West End. ITV's brand new talent show "Grease Is The Word" will begin in April, so be prepare to be glued to your screens!

Grease the musical
Grease is back in the West End this summer! Make sure you follow ITV's 'Grease is the Word' to find out who'll become the next Sandy and Danny.

Grease Music
The cult classic is back and Grease is the word in the West End. It's an explosion of 50's Rock and Roll with a few touching heart felt tracks.

Dinner at L'Escargot with Grease
L'Escargot is the only place to dine when on a Grease theatre break in London. With cheap Grease tickets you can afford the sumptuous dining experience in London. Grease the musical will be extra special with a pre theatre dinner!

Grease - Piccadilly Theatre
This year sees the classic theatre production Grease return to the West End, showing at the the Piccadilly Theatre, a huge theatre on four floors. Book your theatre tickets to Grease and hotel stay with us for bargain prices.

History of Grease
Grease is one of the most successful musicals ever. Read a little history behind the show before booking online with Holiday Extras.

Grease Is The Word - Talent Show
Grease is here...Start warming those vocal chords and digging out those Grease song sheets as the the talent show of all talent shows is coming to the UK. The new ITV show "Grease Is The Word" seeks to find the next Danny Zuko and Sandy Drumbrowski.

The Battle of Grease and Joseph
Grease is the Word arrives.The battle of 'Grease is the Word' versus 'Any Dream Will Do' continues as the impressive Saturday night ratings soar. Why not book a London Theatre Break with Holiday Extras to see the winning trio in the West End this summer?

Gift Ideas and Special Offers

Super Saving on Joseph Theatre Breaks
Book a theatre break for Joseph in the West End with Holiday Extras today and you could be in line for a massive saving

Afternoon Tea
Pre-Theatre Afternoon Tea in London's West End at Fortnum and Mason - treat your family and friends with our pre-theatre afternoon tea offer at the Fortnum and Mason restaurant

Kate Moss arrives at Madame Tussauds London
The fashionable supermodel Kate Moss has been added to the halls of fame in Madame Tussauds, head down to this wax work attraction today to pose for a picture with this style icon

Cruises With A Difference
Holiday Extras bring you two ways to see London's sights with a difference. Duck Tours and Planet Cruise offer new and exiting ways to see the capital as you've never seen it before!

St Paul's Cathedral
Step inside one of London's most iconic buildings and prepare to be amazed, Holiday Extras is now giving you the chance to add this St Pauls Cathedral to your theatre package.

Tutankhamun London Breaks
Tutankahmun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs is opening at the O2 Bubble! This once in a lifetime experience is well worth a trip to London - so book a Tutankhamun London Break today!

James Bond Breaks
he Ian Fleming and James Bond exhibition, For Your Eyes Only will display at the London Imperial War Museum from April 2008 until March 2009. Holiday Extras London Theatre Breaks are pleased to be able to offer this fantastic exhibition as a London Break

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