In general, Simon Cowell reportedly earned $8 million a year during his time on "American Idol," according to Celebrity Net Worth. During the eighth season of "American Idol," CNN reported that Simon Cowell was earning $36 million a season to judge on the show, and was likely earning even more money through his entertainment company as well, seeing as it owns the rights to the talent show.
Apparently, that wasn't enough for Cowell, who allegedly negotiated for his salary to be increased to $45 million per season according to The Hollywood Reporter (via MTV News). It's unclear whether that pay rise actually came to fruition, though, as the media mogul left "American Idol" a year later to appear as a judge on the American version of "The X Factor."
That venture didn't last long, though, "The X Factor" only aired for three seasons. Cowell swiftly moved on to judging "America's Got Talent" instead, which is currently gearing up for Season 17. Cowell is set to be on the judging panel alongside Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara (via Good Housekeeping).
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