The old expression "nice guys finish last" seems to have held true for "Mr Nasty" Simon Cowell, who has rocketed up the rankings on the Sunday Times Pay List. The infamously acerbic Pop Idol judge made a staggering £33.5 million in the past year, meaning that his earnings have increased ten-fold.
Simon has overtaken Robbie Williams, Sting and Phil Collins to take second place on a list of the music industry's top earners. The producer's wealth soared this year after he sold his 50 per cent stake in S Records, which produces Pop Idol winners. He also signed a $1.5 million deal with Simon and Schuster for his autobiography, not to mention receiving $150,000 an episode for appearing on American Idol.
And the acid-tongued presenter can look forward to another year of megabucks, as he has just signed a $10-million deal with TV network Fox. Simon's cash bonanza wasn't enough to outdo Sir Paul McCartney, however, who took the top spot with earnings of £40 million.
Representing the fairer sex was Madonna, who came home in joint sixth place with Elton John. The inimitable Robbie Williams meanwhile took third, with £26 million for the year.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
