Simon Fuller
Simon Fuller may not be a household name like his friend Simon Cowell, but he is one of the masterminds behind one of today’s most popular reality shows: “American Idol.” “American Idol” has become such a ratings threat to other networks that they often put highly rated shows on hiatus when “American Idol” starts its audition rounds because they know they will lose ratings. Simon Fuller is a successful record producer and manager, having managed both the Spice Girls and S Club 7. He was even responsible for introducing the power duo of David Beckham and Victoria Beckham to each other. He is also the Chief Executive of 19 Entertainment, which produces “American Idol” its predecessor, the English hit “Pop Idol,” and the sensational “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Simon Fuller was born in Hastings, England in 1960. He worked for Chrysalis (Chrysalis Limited) and A&R (Chrysalis Records) in the early to mid 80s before setting out on his own. When he discovered Paul Hardcastle and his Vietnam War dance song “19” became a hit, Fuller decided to create his own management company calling it 19 Management in homage to Hardcastle’s hit. He probably had no idea how successful it would one day become. He remains involved in the music world as an investor and director of Popworld Limited and an Internet portal called ILove, which offers song downloads.
Fuller managed Annie Lennox and while he did not create the Spice Girls, he did manage them at the peak of their career. Fuller even ventured into managing sports stars, having guided Steve McManaman to the soccer team Real Madrid and even managed soccer superstar David Beckham. Although he was fired by the Spice Girls in 1997, he was contacted by two of its members, Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham, to manage their solo careers. Rumors are circulating that Fuller will once again manage the Spice Girls as they reunite, but no definite word has been released yet.
But Fuller’s greatest success came in the form of reality television. “Pop Idol” began showing on British television in fall 2001. The talent show was designed to find the best new pop singer. “Pop Idol” spawned the every popular “American Idol” as well as over fifty different versions of the show in 110 countries. Even after six seasons, the premiere of “American Idol” drew in almost 40 million viewers.
What is next for Simon Fuller? He plans to develop a television show for Victoria Beckham, which will focus on fashion. He is also planning a sitcom for Emma Bunton (Baby Spice). Fuller and Robert Sillerman are launching a bid of $1.3 billion in an attempt to take over entertainment company CKX. CKX bought out 19 Entertainment from Fuller in 2005 for $200 million and they now own the rights to “American Idol.” CKX also own the commercial rights to the images of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali.
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