Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
That's up from $22 million in pre-tax profit last year! Since its debut season, the U.S. edition of "The X Factor" went from accounting for 11% of Simco's total revenue to almost 42%, The Guardian reports.
But Cowell, who made a cool $90 million in 2012 alone according to Forbes, will have to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to top himself for the show's upcoming third season. Set to debut later this year, Season 3 will be the first cycle without Epic label boss L.A. Reid on the judges' panel. Reid announced his plans to leave the show just days before his mentee, country crooner Tate Stevens, was crowned the Season 2 winner.
The fate of superstar judge Britney Spears is also up in the air, though Demi Lovato is expected to return for her second season on the panel.
Both ladies may have had a hand in bringing in a younger viewership, which the show saw a an increase in this season. "The X Factor" also became one of the most mentioned TV shows on social media platforms, boasting the highest average social activity per episode in 2012 (excluding sports programs).
As we await Season 3, it appears Simon plans to cash in on more of the show's contestants with rumored plans to sign first runner-up Carly Rose Sonenclar and second runner-up Fifth Harmony to his Syco record label.
- Carrie Underwood
- Kelly Clarkson
- Jennel Garcia
- Jennifer Hudson
- CeCe Frey
- Susan Boyle
- Clay Aiken
- Sanjaya
- Recent Celebrity Makeovers: Stars' Best Style Switch-Ups
- Miley Cyrus
- Rihanna
- Demi Lovato
- Alicia Keys
- Adam Lambert
- Kesha
- Taylor Swift
- Adam Levine
- Lady Gaga
- Matisyahu
- Relationship Reinventions
- Ashlee Simpson
- Ashlee Simpson
- LeAnn Rimes
- LeAnn Rimes
- Katy Perry
- Katy Perry
- Selena Gomez
- Selena Gomez
- Hilary Duff
- Hilary Duff
- Whitney Houston
- Whitney Houston
- Christina Aguilera
- Christina Aguilera
- Kelly Osbourne
- Kelly Osbourne
- Kelly Rowland
- Kelly Rowland
- Music's Most Stylish Offspring
- Lourdes Leon
- Kingston Rossdale
- Zuma Rossdale
- Willow Smith
- Jaden Smith
- Zoe Kravitz
- Liv Tyler
- Aoki Lee Simmons and Ming Lee Simmons
- Vanessa and Angela Simmons
- Future Baby Jayonce
- Grammys Best & Worst Dressed
Taylor Swift Dominates at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Carrie Underwood 'Goats' Hunter Hayes With Blown Away Tour Prank
Blake Shelton Will Return for Season 5 of 'The Voice'
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore, Oklahoma 'Will Perservere' After Deadly Tornado
Toby Keith Returns to Help Family, Friends in Moore, Oklahoma
Blake Shelton Joins NBC in Organizing Oklahoma Tornado Benefit Concert
Trace Adkins Named Winner of 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice'
17 Comments