Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell (insidegossip.co.uk)

Happy news coming from Simon Cowell! The American Idol judge is about to receive this year’s International Emmy Founders Award.

About Cowell receiving the award, the president and CEO of International Academy, Bruce Paisner said in a statement Thursday, “Simon Cowell is an entrepreneur and performer in equal measure. He has built an international empire and in so doing has changed the face of television around the world.”

With this honor, Cowell expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m delighted. I’ve been very lucky to be able to make shows that I love.” He will be presented with the International Emmy Founders Award at an awards gala in New York on November 22.

50-year-old Cowell is best known for his roles as a brutally honest judge on TV talent shows The X Factor and American Idol. He also owns a music publishing house, Syco, developed the Got Talent TV format in Britain, the United States and Europe, managed the operatic pop group Il Divo, and signed frumpy Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle.

The International Emmy Founders Award recognizes an individual who has made an impact on the television industry and crosses cultural boundaries. Previous recipients include Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, former U.S. vice president Al Gore, British TV journalist David Frost, and Dick Wolf.

Congrats, Simon!