Simon Cowell to Receive International Emmy Founders Award

NEW YORK: Simon Cowell has been named as this year’s recipient of the International Emmy Founders Award and will accept the honor at the 38th International Emmy Awards Gala on November 22 in New York.

Announcing this year’s Founders Award—which last year went to Sir David Frost, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences noted that the TV personality has reshaped 21st century television and music around the world. Perhaps best known as a judge on American Idol, Cowell has developed a number of his own shows through his Syco venture, including the Got Talent and X Factor franchises. Cowell this year revealed that he is leaving American Idol in order to focus on the first U.S. version of The X Factor, due to air on FOX next year.

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

"I’m delighted," said Cowell of the award. “I’ve been very lucky to be able to make shows that I love."