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Simon Cowell has reportedly been offered £88 million to appear on the next series of American Idol.
The deal is four times the £22 million he currently receives for the show and it follows fears from US network Fox that he may quit when his current contract ends next May.
American Idol, which has just finished its eighth season, regularly attracts audiences of up to 25 million in the US.
The news comes days after it was reported that The X Factor judge is setting up a new media company with Top Shop boss Sir Philip Green. The business would see Cowell take full ownership of all of his work, as opposed to just performance fees for appearing on shows such as American Idol and Britain's Got Talent.
A source told the Guardian: "He is past the old-style music deal, where you take a cut as a performer. This is about properly owning himself, Brand Cowell, everything he does, new formats, and new programmes, not just the ones starring him."
Cowell's mammoth pay increase comes at a time when other UK-based stars are facing massive cuts to their salaries. Bruce Forsyth is said to be taking a £160,000 pay cut to present the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, while the presenters on GMTV are facing cuts of up to 25 percent.
Amazingly, if Simon Cowell accepts the offer it won't actually make him the highest paid star on TV. That title belongs to Oprah Winfrey who rakes in an incredible £136 million each year.
Do you think Simon Cowell is worth £88 million? Are TV presenters overpaid or do they represent value for money? Let us know what you think...
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NO ONE is worth that much for doing their days work. Even brain surgeons don't get that much and their work is far more important.
Posted by: lljwagg on Wed Jul 01 02:04PM | Report abuseHe so deserves it
Posted by: panjihf on Wed Jul 01 02:04PM | Report abuseGod bless him. Hopefully he'll give some of the money to charity.
Posted by: oranjelelie on Wed Jul 01 02:05PM | Report abusePersonally I think that the many millions present-day celebrities rake in is bordering on obscene, but let's face it, the Studios and Owners of today's Top TV shows are making billions and they know a good bet when they see one. He pulls in the viewers and big audiences mean big advertising revenues. I say good luck to the man!
Posted by: david.patterson15 on Wed Jul 01 02:05PM | Report abuseYes I do. I tell you why. Firstly he is one savy buissiness man. His opinions do count in regards to the acts he sees. You only have to ask Leona lewis on this. Guiding her and other acts has ensured global success. If a man can get 25 million viewers to watch any programme then he justifies this salary and more! He is one of the most talked about guys on T.V. and the producers know this also. They say money cannot buy happiness, but it can sure get you viewers with the right man!
Posted by: lorcang2002 on Wed Jul 01 02:07PM | Report abusehe deserves it, i wouldnt watch any of those cr+p shows if it wasnt for him - they shoudl also sign gordon ramsey up as well - those two woudl be quality!
Posted by: paul_m_gibbs on Wed Jul 01 02:07PM | Report abuseTV presenters work very hard everyday. They put in mental, physical, and even economical effor
Posted by: lovelymma on Wed Jul 01 02:07PM | Report abuseIs any one person really deserving of that sort of figure? No, do not think so
Posted by: normaarmstrong20 on Wed Jul 01 02:07PM | Report abuseI think Simon is worth every penny of the £88m - I think he is fantastic, and I think I am in love with him.
Posted by: sandie_liggett on Wed Jul 01 02:07PM | Report abuseI think give him 4/5 billion pounds per white tooth and maybe one of the planets,say jupiter maybe,free tickets to Chester zoo for life and we must have a statue of him placed on a column next to Nelsons column with lasers with his picture projected onto the night sky.....aw bliss! Ps no congestion charge as he should be carried around London by his wannabes...bambeezy.
Posted by: learntodriveintensive on Wed Jul 01 02:08PM | Report abuse