Simon Cowell might have long forgotten America’s Got Talent if not for a last-minute strategy that showed up. Before the show, he had been linked with one of the biggest talent shows in the world, but America’s Got Talent was a turning point in his career. As the show celebrates its 20th season, Simon is reflecting on the decision that made the series take off despite a rough start.
The simple idea of AGT was to bring together a diverse range of talent, including comedians, dancers, magicians, and singers, on one stage, judged by a panel with Simon at its center. But at the time, convincing executives was not easy. His attempts to sell the concept were unfruitful, and even the pilot episode could not catch anyone’s attention.
The fib that got told that launched Simon Cowell’s career on ‘America’s Got Talent’
View this post on Instagram
Simon was inspired to create AGT from watching talent shows when he was much younger. But starting seemed more difficult than he had envisaged; he had to present the show to network executives with only a few usable minutes from the pilot. He shared some of the best clips and hoped they would see what he saw.
Fortunately, NBC picked up the series, which premiered in 2006. Since then, America’s Got Talent has become a global show, spawning dozens of international versions and launching the careers of countless performers. The show has covered unexpected stars who have made Las Vegas headlines. As both judge and executive producer, he has helped shape each season. America’s Got Talent has also had changes, such as the introduction of the Golden Buzzer and capitalizing on social media moments, which keep the show fresh and relevant.
Family influence
Over the years, Simon’s approach to judging has evolved, especially since becoming a father. His son, Eric, born in 2014, has given him a new perspective. Simon now often imagines how an act would look through his son’s eyes; if Eric would enjoy it, chances are others would, too.
Even after 20 years, Simon Cowell’s excitement has not faded. Though the production days can be long, he admits he still looks forward to each season and the surprise of discovering new talent.