The X-Factor

by Simon Cowell

An insider's guide to the pop industry from the "Mr. Nasty" of the British TV phenomenons "American Idol "and "Pop Idol,"As head of RCA Records, the author is perfectly positioned to write a book about how to make it in the pop world, and there is no doubt that the acerbic tongue responsible for reducing so many of the Pop Idol hopefuls to tears with comments such as " you sound] like Mickey Mouse on helium" and "He has major presence. You don't. Ferrari - Skoda," will be put to task on the stars of pop. Here Simon reveals what he really thinks about certain bands and pop stars, who's got it and who hasn't, and will give the advice every aspiring pop star needs to know.The book looks at all aspects of the pop industry from record companies and management to choosing an image and dealing with press and promotional work, covering real-life successes and failures. Do you have to be thin and attractive? Can you rely on personality alone? What exactly is that elusive X-factor?

224 pages, Paperback

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Simon Cowell is an English artist-and-repertoire ("A&R") executive and television personality/producer, best known as a judge on such TV shows as Pop Idol, The X Factor, American Idol, America's Got Talent, and Britain's Got Talent. He is also the owner of the television production and music publishing house Syco.

Cowell is notorious for his unsparingly blunt and often controversial criticisms, insults, and wisecracks about contestants and their singing abilities, or lack thereof. He is often parodied in pop culture. He is known for combining activities in the television and music industries, having promoted singles and records for various artists, including television personalities.

Cowell has been the producer and the creative force of many media, most notably Pop Idol and its international offspring. His success since the millennium has brought him worldwide fame and a greatly increased monetary fortune.