Simon Cowell in 2002.
Kevin Winter/ Getty
Cowell worked in the music industry and had his own record label, Fanfare Records — which later became Syco Entertainment.
He quickly became known as the most critical judge who was popular for his harsh one-liners.
Despite his reputation, Cowell was a beloved star on the show and many felt he kept things entertaining.
Simon Cowell was one of the three original judges for the first nine seasons of Fox's show.
Cowell worked in the music industry and had his own record label, Fanfare Records — which later became Syco Entertainment.
He quickly became known as the most critical judge who was popular for his harsh one-liners.