May 24th, 2010
11:54 AM ET
Simon Cowell tops list of most influential in reality TV
The “American Idol” judge returns to the top spot for the second year in a row thanks to his continuing influence over the genre. “He tops this list for the second year in a row, not just because he's a singular on-air talent able to captivate an audience in a way that no one has replicated, 10 years into the reality TV era; and not just because he has pulled in what Forbes says was $75 million last year from 'Idol,' producing NBC's 'America's Got Talent' and other deals, making him the highest-paid person on television - but because Cowell represents the best of reality TV,” THR says.
The publication selected the Top 50 based on several criteria, including “The indelible mark each person makes on his or her shows as producer, overseeing executive or talent” and “how the individual has sparked a 'water cooler' factor for his or her shows and their ability to create dramatic, comedic and can't-miss TV moments.” Fox is also represented in the number two spot on the list with Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment for the network, and “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest comes in at number five. Click here to view the list in its entirety. |
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He's a legend in his own mind. Someone you definitely love to hate...
Go Simon! Definitely one of the most memorable personalities on television. Even though he's leaving Idol. http://betweenthenotesnyc.blogspot.com/2010/05/simon-leaving-idol.html
Was that a show? What was it all about, did it have any redeeming features? Never seen it.