What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell
For this definitive biography, acclaimed journalist and bestselling author Tom Bower was granted unprecedented access to Simon Cowell and those around him—and the result is a fascinating multilayered portrait of one of the world’s most intriguing television personalities ever to dominate the music industry.
Simon Cowell has made an international name for himself as the no-holds-barred judge on the television phenomenon American Idol . He’s been called mean, arrogant, brash, and unapologetic, but his stinging barbs and smug personality have also earned him cheers from fans, as well as millions of dollars, a string of exotic beauties, and industry clout to develop his own projects. But Cowell’s true reward is revenge .
Sweet Revenge is the ultimate insider’s account of Simon Cowell’s rise to fame—even as others plotted his downfall—from his cheeky exploits as a British school lad to his failures as a frustrated young music exec in London to his explosive rivalry with Simon Fuller over the genesis of the Idol franchise to the PR disaster that nearly sunk his wildly successful show The X Factor . Conducting more than 150 interviews with industry power players, Cowell’s inner circle, and Cowell himself on a private jet, chartered yacht, at his L.A. home, and on the studio lot, Tom Bower pulls back the curtain on a man who is at once insecure, ambitious, easily bored, vain, needy, and driven, a man who will go to any limit to secure his success. Cowell is also revealed as a loyal friend and loving son. His father, to whom Cowell was particularly close, became his most trusted adviser and mentor.
Packed with juicy details, exclusive interviews, and never-before-revealed facts, Sweet Revenge presents a complete picture of Simon Cowell that few have ever seen.
Simon Cowell has made an international name for himself as the no-holds-barred judge on the television phenomenon American Idol . He’s been called mean, arrogant, brash, and unapologetic, but his stinging barbs and smug personality have also earned him cheers from fans, as well as millions of dollars, a string of exotic beauties, and industry clout to develop his own projects. But Cowell’s true reward is revenge .
Sweet Revenge is the ultimate insider’s account of Simon Cowell’s rise to fame—even as others plotted his downfall—from his cheeky exploits as a British school lad to his failures as a frustrated young music exec in London to his explosive rivalry with Simon Fuller over the genesis of the Idol franchise to the PR disaster that nearly sunk his wildly successful show The X Factor . Conducting more than 150 interviews with industry power players, Cowell’s inner circle, and Cowell himself on a private jet, chartered yacht, at his L.A. home, and on the studio lot, Tom Bower pulls back the curtain on a man who is at once insecure, ambitious, easily bored, vain, needy, and driven, a man who will go to any limit to secure his success. Cowell is also revealed as a loyal friend and loving son. His father, to whom Cowell was particularly close, became his most trusted adviser and mentor.
Packed with juicy details, exclusive interviews, and never-before-revealed facts, Sweet Revenge presents a complete picture of Simon Cowell that few have ever seen.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
49 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bower
57 books179 followersFor the author of works on child development, see T.G.R. Bower
Tom Bower (born 28 September 1946) is a British writer, noted for his investigative journalism and for his unauthorized biographies.
A former Panorama reporter, his books include unauthorised biographies of Tiny Rowland, Robert Maxwell, Mohamed Al-Fayed, Geoffrey Robinson, Gordon Brown and Richard Branson.
He won the 2003 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for Broken Dreams, an investigation into corruption in English football. His joint biography of Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge was published in November 2006, and an unsuccessful libel case over a passing mention of Daily Express proprietor Richard Desmond in the book was heard in July 2009.
An unauthorised biography by Bower of Richard Desmond, provisionally entitled Rough Trader, awaits publication. Bowers's biography of Simon Cowell, written with Cowell's co-operation, was published on 20 April, 2012.
Bower is married to Veronica Wadley, former editor of the London Evening Standard, and has four children.
Tom Bower (born 28 September 1946) is a British writer, noted for his investigative journalism and for his unauthorized biographies.
A former Panorama reporter, his books include unauthorised biographies of Tiny Rowland, Robert Maxwell, Mohamed Al-Fayed, Geoffrey Robinson, Gordon Brown and Richard Branson.
He won the 2003 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for Broken Dreams, an investigation into corruption in English football. His joint biography of Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge was published in November 2006, and an unsuccessful libel case over a passing mention of Daily Express proprietor Richard Desmond in the book was heard in July 2009.
An unauthorised biography by Bower of Richard Desmond, provisionally entitled Rough Trader, awaits publication. Bowers's biography of Simon Cowell, written with Cowell's co-operation, was published on 20 April, 2012.
Bower is married to Veronica Wadley, former editor of the London Evening Standard, and has four children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 27, 2012
Quite an interesting biography on a man whose chosen mistress is power. I find Simon to be a fascinating and driven man who will accomplish just about anything he sets his mind too. I do admire his honesty and straight forwardness where others might find him arrogant and obnoxious. I had to read this book immediately, downloading it to my Nook the moment I knew that it was released. One of the better biographies I have read.
May 8, 2012
"Survival in the music industry required luck, talent, relationships, and brazenness. Those with only three out of the four qualities would inevitably fail. To climb to the very top, as Cowell had, also required single-mindedness, selfishness, and stardust."
I've read a lot about Simon Cowell before - interviews and biographies. They all hint at what this uncovers but while others hinted at a quirky guy with drive and a big idea, this book gets closer and builds on what's come before by exposing not only the quirks, drive and big ideas but also a near-crippling insecurity, a deep fear of loneliness, an obsessive personality underpinned by perfectionism and the need for routine and - most interestingly - a man who emerged triumphantly from 35 straight years of failure and setbacks but who still lives under the weight of insecurity and fear of the failure that shaped him. As the title suggests, many tried to stifle his ambition and things get really fascinating when his success puts him in a position to seek revenge against those that fought so hard to put him down. The reward for his peers, collaborators and - interestingly - ex-girlfriends however, is a deep-seated loyalty.
As well as being a very personal account, I also found it a great insight into the business of music, television and media in general - there is just enough depth there for it to be informative but not too much that it's ever dull. It's a really easy read, though not a book that's written particularly well. Finally, it lifts the veil on reality TV shows (it helps if you're familiar with them as anecdotes from the UK's Pop Idol, Popstars, American Idol, Got Talent, and X Factor in the UK and US and the players involved in each are what much of the second half revolve around) and I was pretty amazed at the infighting that goes on behind the scenes - like, judges and producers actually, physically, fight each other before and after shows. Crazy. To this point, the businesses of showbiz, entertainment and music are called out for being the turbulent worlds that they are. In doing so, this bio does a good job of aiding understanding as to why Cowell is like he is, both in private and in public. His life is now absurdly extravagant but it certainly hasn't always been that way (see the first 35 years in the life of...) and it's hard not to walk away with an appreciation for his endless persistence and tireless work ethic.
I've read a lot about Simon Cowell before - interviews and biographies. They all hint at what this uncovers but while others hinted at a quirky guy with drive and a big idea, this book gets closer and builds on what's come before by exposing not only the quirks, drive and big ideas but also a near-crippling insecurity, a deep fear of loneliness, an obsessive personality underpinned by perfectionism and the need for routine and - most interestingly - a man who emerged triumphantly from 35 straight years of failure and setbacks but who still lives under the weight of insecurity and fear of the failure that shaped him. As the title suggests, many tried to stifle his ambition and things get really fascinating when his success puts him in a position to seek revenge against those that fought so hard to put him down. The reward for his peers, collaborators and - interestingly - ex-girlfriends however, is a deep-seated loyalty.
As well as being a very personal account, I also found it a great insight into the business of music, television and media in general - there is just enough depth there for it to be informative but not too much that it's ever dull. It's a really easy read, though not a book that's written particularly well. Finally, it lifts the veil on reality TV shows (it helps if you're familiar with them as anecdotes from the UK's Pop Idol, Popstars, American Idol, Got Talent, and X Factor in the UK and US and the players involved in each are what much of the second half revolve around) and I was pretty amazed at the infighting that goes on behind the scenes - like, judges and producers actually, physically, fight each other before and after shows. Crazy. To this point, the businesses of showbiz, entertainment and music are called out for being the turbulent worlds that they are. In doing so, this bio does a good job of aiding understanding as to why Cowell is like he is, both in private and in public. His life is now absurdly extravagant but it certainly hasn't always been that way (see the first 35 years in the life of...) and it's hard not to walk away with an appreciation for his endless persistence and tireless work ethic.
July 18, 2012
This was a brilliantly written account of Cowell's professional career. There was some information at the beginning as to his early years and family history, but this was mostly an account of his ascent to the top of the music and tv business. While some of the business jargon was slightly confusing to someone who has no knowledge of the subject, all areas where this happened were fleeting and necessary to understand the bigger picture.
If you like Simon Cowell, you will love this book.
If you like Simon Cowell, you will love this book.
February 11, 2013
I had always - secretly - wanted to meet Simon Cowell. But not any more. Tom Bower has cured me of that.
The first half of this biography made me think Cowell should be fronting one of those "Ten years ago, I was a miserable loser. But just look at me now! And the secret is...." In inauspicious Act I to his career, for sure.
As well as learning that Cowell is VERY generous to his many ex-girlfriends (and so very hetrosexual), this book had lots of interesting stuff about the inner workings - if that is quite the right word - of the music business, and tons of detail about contracts and contract wrangles, which appealed to my inner litigator.
As for Cowell himself. He's ;lost his place at my dinner table in favour of Eric Cantona.
The first half of this biography made me think Cowell should be fronting one of those "Ten years ago, I was a miserable loser. But just look at me now! And the secret is...." In inauspicious Act I to his career, for sure.
As well as learning that Cowell is VERY generous to his many ex-girlfriends (and so very hetrosexual), this book had lots of interesting stuff about the inner workings - if that is quite the right word - of the music business, and tons of detail about contracts and contract wrangles, which appealed to my inner litigator.
As for Cowell himself. He's ;lost his place at my dinner table in favour of Eric Cantona.
June 18, 2012
I am loving this book but if you are not a Simon Cowell fan or supporter you will not enjoy this book. I now admire the music mogul even more than I did before. From a man who was semi-poor, who was laughed at continuously for music flops to a self-made well respected millionaire today - unbelievable!!
September 12, 2014
Terrible, that's the only word I have to say about this. Its so well planned that Simon Cowell would have had a hand in this, you can tell by reading this.
It goes from his childhood, roots, right up to today. I really think that the avenue and telling of this book about Simon and how he reacts to different things edited by him.
It goes from his childhood, roots, right up to today. I really think that the avenue and telling of this book about Simon and how he reacts to different things edited by him.
January 5, 2013
didnt like the writing style and whilst some of the details of cowells life are fascinating he author managed to drag out each item too far. He also refers to all the characters by surname only which only added to the confusion and made reading awkward. Haven't finished it and have no intention to.
Read
June 27, 2015I don't know why, but it was bit hard to read for me. Still I got till the end and didn't regret a second that I read it. It is full with interesting deatails about his life. All in all it perfectly shows that climbing showbiz mountain isn't easy task to take on. You are gonna fall, get bruised, but you just can't give up.
June 20, 2012
I am a fan of Simon Cowell, but I could not get through the book. It was from the library so I did not feel bad when I put it down. I found it boring. Maybe I should have plugged along, but I hate to read just for the sake of reading.
May 19, 2021
I didn't actually finish. I was just about falling asleep by chapter 4 so I gave up.
February 7, 2021
I read /Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell/, by Tom Bower:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
Mediocre writing, but a 5-star story.
Simon Cowell was the Twitter of music executives for the first 15 years of his career. He liked Frank Sinatra, and only Frank Sinatra, and while other A&R executives went out and saw bands every night, Simon Cowell stayed home and watched TV. He went bankrupt and depended on his father for support (financially and emotionally). He doubted himself and made a series of bad decisions, essentially (for a while) being the laughing stock at RCA Records.
In Bower's book, Cowell comes across as vain, out of touch, and completely shameless about being in the music business to just make as much money as possible.
Cowell, though, was persistent, and good at getting his artists press and media exposure. His only few successes for more than a decade were based on an amazing song-writing team fueled by his partners' money and credit cards.
Cowell had very little success until he realized, one day, that rather than trying to get his musicians radio, newspaper, and TV exposure, he should instead take people that were already media-exposed and on TV and in movies, and release records by them.
Some of his early record successes with that theory were WWF wrestlers (Slam Jam Music Jam, #3 on the charts), the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Zig and Zag (furry puppets on TV, a #5 hit with "Them Girls Them Girls").
The story gets even more interesting from there, with Pop Idol, American Idol, and the X Factor.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
Mediocre writing, but a 5-star story.
Simon Cowell was the Twitter of music executives for the first 15 years of his career. He liked Frank Sinatra, and only Frank Sinatra, and while other A&R executives went out and saw bands every night, Simon Cowell stayed home and watched TV. He went bankrupt and depended on his father for support (financially and emotionally). He doubted himself and made a series of bad decisions, essentially (for a while) being the laughing stock at RCA Records.
In Bower's book, Cowell comes across as vain, out of touch, and completely shameless about being in the music business to just make as much money as possible.
Cowell, though, was persistent, and good at getting his artists press and media exposure. His only few successes for more than a decade were based on an amazing song-writing team fueled by his partners' money and credit cards.
Cowell had very little success until he realized, one day, that rather than trying to get his musicians radio, newspaper, and TV exposure, he should instead take people that were already media-exposed and on TV and in movies, and release records by them.
Some of his early record successes with that theory were WWF wrestlers (Slam Jam Music Jam, #3 on the charts), the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Zig and Zag (furry puppets on TV, a #5 hit with "Them Girls Them Girls").
The story gets even more interesting from there, with Pop Idol, American Idol, and the X Factor.
December 7, 2022
Great read if you’re looking for information on Simon Cowell but it can be a bit boring at times. Overall, the theme of revenge & power plays a leading role in this biography. I liked it at some parts & found it overbearing in others. The old pictures of Simon were cool to see and I enjoyed the humor & direct quotes from America’s Got Talent/ Britain’s Got Talent/American Idol/X Factor. Simon can be funny at times but is also a little mean (a fact which we all know having grown up on these shows). I wish the author included more about One Direction & the X-Factor, since the band was formed in 2010 & this book came out in 2012. It would’ve been cool to read about the formation of the band since they contributed to Simon’s overall success in the entertainment industry. The band was mentioned once in passing & that was all. But in terms of learning about Simon, not a bad read. He got into lots of drama though, my god.
May 31, 2018
Well, I'm glad to be done with it. At least now I know my distaste for the man was justified. The book was well-written, but each chapter of Cowell's life has basically been a repeat of the last, once he got money, much like his TV shows - You think they're going to be new and exciting, but, in reality, they're all just the same recycled idea.
April 10, 2022
Interesting but not brilliant
August 21, 2022
This book was like treacle to plough through! Apart from knowing he was a womaniser there was not much depth to his rise to stardom.. thankfully I only spent 0.99p on this book..
November 30, 2018
Really enjoyed. It
November 9, 2014
What would you call a person whose daily life revolved around “vitamin injections, special fruits, intravenous drips, piles of pills, Botox, massages, dyes, chest waxing, tooth caps and cosmetic surgery” all in an attempt to limit “the evidence of aging?” What would you call a person whose biggest wish is to acquire “as much money as I can get my hands on?” He’s known by fans and critics alike around the world as “Sarcastic Simon, Nasty Simon, Mr. Nasty.” That pretty much sums up “the intimate life” of Simon Cowell.
This printed documentary started out as an unauthorized biography, but, author Tom Bower, with a “track record of writing about men with power and money,” managed to get Cowell’s cooperation under certain conditions.
Bower could’ve titled this bio “The Art of the Deal,” but I think Donald Trump would probably not appreciate the plagiarism. So much of this material deals exclusively with the buying and selling of recording artists, not unlike American slave trading of the 1800’s. Morning, noon and night, all hours of the night, Cowell runs from one deal to the next, mostly with the intent of “sweet revenge” against his real and perceived enemies and critics. Bower’s take on the narcissistic Cowell could be used as a text book in Harvard business school classes on intellectual property litigation.
This is a very sad portrait of one wasted life. It’s a picture of one man so full of himself he has no room in his life or his many houses for anyone else. It’s a snapshot of a man who uses women as toys along with his private jets, Rolls Royce limos, chartered yachts, mansions in Los Angeles, London and Caribbean vacations. There’s a reason why Carly Simon’s 1972 hit “You’re So Vain” could’ve been used as a theme song for the music mogul’s 4.4 million dollar fiftieth birthday party. When it comes to hedonism, Hugh Hefner could take a few lessons from Simon Cowell. Here’s one very lonely man “whose fame relied on nonchalance toward the downfall of others.” Call it “sweet revenge.”
This printed documentary started out as an unauthorized biography, but, author Tom Bower, with a “track record of writing about men with power and money,” managed to get Cowell’s cooperation under certain conditions.
Bower could’ve titled this bio “The Art of the Deal,” but I think Donald Trump would probably not appreciate the plagiarism. So much of this material deals exclusively with the buying and selling of recording artists, not unlike American slave trading of the 1800’s. Morning, noon and night, all hours of the night, Cowell runs from one deal to the next, mostly with the intent of “sweet revenge” against his real and perceived enemies and critics. Bower’s take on the narcissistic Cowell could be used as a text book in Harvard business school classes on intellectual property litigation.
This is a very sad portrait of one wasted life. It’s a picture of one man so full of himself he has no room in his life or his many houses for anyone else. It’s a snapshot of a man who uses women as toys along with his private jets, Rolls Royce limos, chartered yachts, mansions in Los Angeles, London and Caribbean vacations. There’s a reason why Carly Simon’s 1972 hit “You’re So Vain” could’ve been used as a theme song for the music mogul’s 4.4 million dollar fiftieth birthday party. When it comes to hedonism, Hugh Hefner could take a few lessons from Simon Cowell. Here’s one very lonely man “whose fame relied on nonchalance toward the downfall of others.” Call it “sweet revenge.”
August 28, 2013
Sweet Revenge focuses largely on the professional life of Simon Cowell, most likely because his work takes up so much of his life.
Following a scene-setting “day in the life of” segment, Bower chronologically charts the rise and rise (and plateau?) of Cowell’s varied career from his early days in the industry to his TV successes.
It is particularly interesting to read about the thought processes and methodology of Cowell as he finesses his TV empire. We know who he hired, who he fired and what we saw as a finished product, but Bower peels away the top layer to show us why.
It’s interesting to read what was “real” and what was portrayed as real on- and off-screen. Bower is unflinchingly honest about what actually happened, what was staged, and what spin (/fibs) were fed to the press. Nobody can claim ignorance about the manipulation (or “helpful direction”) of ITV’s flagship entertainment shows, but it’s amazing to read such a candid account.
The political wrangling between Cowell, TV executives, record labels and production companies provides a fascinating insight into a side of the industry we see very little of. The constant redistribution of power (actual and perceived) is almost soap operatic as each stakeholder vies for the upper hand.
A predominant theme of the book is Cowell’s long-running feud with Simon Fuller. Its origins are described in detail, as well as the effect it had on their working lives. Cowell recognises his nemesis’ strengths and the relationship between the Simons is complexly gripping.
At times, the writing becomes repetitive with too much time spent on irrelevancies and glossing over more interesting stories.
The book shows us Cowell’s lifestyle, his thought process, his flaws and his fears. Those complaining of a lack of salacious gossip perhaps misunderstand the “intimate” life Bower shows us. The enigmatic success story that is Simon Cowell is opened up and revealed in fascinating detail.
Following a scene-setting “day in the life of” segment, Bower chronologically charts the rise and rise (and plateau?) of Cowell’s varied career from his early days in the industry to his TV successes.
It is particularly interesting to read about the thought processes and methodology of Cowell as he finesses his TV empire. We know who he hired, who he fired and what we saw as a finished product, but Bower peels away the top layer to show us why.
It’s interesting to read what was “real” and what was portrayed as real on- and off-screen. Bower is unflinchingly honest about what actually happened, what was staged, and what spin (/fibs) were fed to the press. Nobody can claim ignorance about the manipulation (or “helpful direction”) of ITV’s flagship entertainment shows, but it’s amazing to read such a candid account.
The political wrangling between Cowell, TV executives, record labels and production companies provides a fascinating insight into a side of the industry we see very little of. The constant redistribution of power (actual and perceived) is almost soap operatic as each stakeholder vies for the upper hand.
A predominant theme of the book is Cowell’s long-running feud with Simon Fuller. Its origins are described in detail, as well as the effect it had on their working lives. Cowell recognises his nemesis’ strengths and the relationship between the Simons is complexly gripping.
At times, the writing becomes repetitive with too much time spent on irrelevancies and glossing over more interesting stories.
The book shows us Cowell’s lifestyle, his thought process, his flaws and his fears. Those complaining of a lack of salacious gossip perhaps misunderstand the “intimate” life Bower shows us. The enigmatic success story that is Simon Cowell is opened up and revealed in fascinating detail.
April 17, 2015
This was quite an interesting book and it certainly does what it can to uncover every secret that Simon Cowell ever had. I think it is good that Cowell did nothing to stop this book coming out as some vain celebrities may have done, instead being of the opinion that he isn't bothered what people think of him. There are rumours that he fully cooperated with the book behind the scenes and I think he probably did, given the level of detail about Simon's thirst for revenge on everyone who wronged him in his early career and a few well kept secrets that were revealed. Either way it was nice to read a biography that told all of the story and not just edited highlights like Danni Minogue.
It covers a lot of ground-trying to launch himself into the music business which was pretty cutthroat at the time. There were failures and problems with his chosen industry, and being stabbed in the back seems to be a common issue. We also see what really goes on behind the scenes of the popular reality TV series that he has been involved in like X Factor, Pop Idol and American Idol. I can say that I wouldn't want to work with some of the people on these shows!
There is also the look into his private life-his early fling with Sinitta when she was trying to start her music career, his never before revealed affair with Dannii Minogue when she was on X Factor, his lust for Cheryl Cole, his friendly relations with all his ex girlfriends-something I still find pretty amazing. He seems to reward those who are loyal to him or have stood by him just as jealously as trying to ruin those who try to ruin him. These relationships do interest me and it was interesting to finally see WHY Dannii Minogue and Sharon Osbourne were at war during filming.
Fans of Simon Cowell or the music industry should certainly find this interesting.
It covers a lot of ground-trying to launch himself into the music business which was pretty cutthroat at the time. There were failures and problems with his chosen industry, and being stabbed in the back seems to be a common issue. We also see what really goes on behind the scenes of the popular reality TV series that he has been involved in like X Factor, Pop Idol and American Idol. I can say that I wouldn't want to work with some of the people on these shows!
There is also the look into his private life-his early fling with Sinitta when she was trying to start her music career, his never before revealed affair with Dannii Minogue when she was on X Factor, his lust for Cheryl Cole, his friendly relations with all his ex girlfriends-something I still find pretty amazing. He seems to reward those who are loyal to him or have stood by him just as jealously as trying to ruin those who try to ruin him. These relationships do interest me and it was interesting to finally see WHY Dannii Minogue and Sharon Osbourne were at war during filming.
Fans of Simon Cowell or the music industry should certainly find this interesting.
Read
February 15, 2017It was kind of Boring but informational.
May 21, 2012
I am always interested in learning about how people I think are interesting get where they are today. I thought the author did a great job of telling Simon's story objectively. He didn't gloss over the mistakes made, the vanity or the enemies. Simon doesn't have a clean life or noble objectives, but he was innovative in seeing the profit of music and television. It was a little bit difficult to keep all the players straight. There were so many people involved at Sony, all the television stations, plus other advisers. The book almost needed a character glossary to refer to.
June 17, 2013
A well-researched, in-depth look at the meteoric rise of Britain's most notorious TV personality, Sweet Revenge gives great insight into the backstage machinations of Cowell's TV shows, his climb through the ranks of the music industry and his real opinions on the talent show winners and losers who have paraded across Britain and America's TV screens for the last ten years. Well worth a read.
October 17, 2013
BORING! I read the whole book, and its O.K but i found it boring. TBH, the stories and hype in the media makes this book look far more exciting than what it is - sales obviously!! He does come across as arrogant, its left me with a different outlook at Mr Cowell all together.Very badly written and full of irrelevant detail making it boring to read. Nothing juice in it, nothing we didnt know, other than he wipes his arse with black toilet paper! who cares. Badly written too.
September 13, 2012
I was very disappointed in this book. Lots and lots of detail on the music business which I had no interest in. I struggled through about half way until I just wasn't interested any more. Outside of determining this man is totally self-absorbed and neurotic, there wasn't much worth reading. Didn't finish.
November 8, 2012
I wasn't living in the country during Cowell's rise to mega stardom so I found the book interesting. If you're looking for scandal this is not the book for you. It focuses on his business interests and only dips into his somewhat weird private life. Despite everything I think I'm still a little bit in love with him!
November 9, 2012
I don't like Cowell in any way, but I do get hopelessly addicted to his shows, something which embarrasses me but is also something I have to embrace. I was quite shocked in the end how much I got drawn into this, and how much I actually learnt about Cowell. Altogether, a very interesting book- I just couldn't resist it and I am glad to have read it now.
December 20, 2012
If you like Simon Cowell (which I do) you will find this an interesting read. It really does chronicle his life in the music industry and his general manipulation of people. His ambition and drive is admirable. The book will only be of I Teresa to people who watch his tv shows and have followed his career.
May 4, 2014
Easy to read. The first chapters are boring but then things pick up. Interesting to discover the story behing the Idol competitions, the X Factor and the America's/Britain's Got Talent shows. Also interesting to see how a ''loser'', with all his insecurities, no education, mediocre talent and vision can make it big. As I said, light and easy reading.
Read
July 22, 2012I used to think Simon needed a dirty spanking but now I just think he's a woman hating pig. If you want a play-by-play accounting of backstage deals and reading about Simon getting phone calls in the tub, keep reading. If you want something else pick a different book.
August 5, 2012
There isn't much gossip in this book it majorly describes how much money Cowell has made. I went into this book thinking I quite liked the man and now have no time for him, pompous, arrogant, and with no care for anyone other than himself this book isn't really worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews