Cowell to be awarded Emmy

The music mogul is to be recognised for his TV work...

19:47 26 March 2010

Simon Cowell is to be honoured with an International Emmy award in recognition of his television work, it has been announced.

According to organisers in the US, the X Factor judge and producer is to be awarded the Founders Award honour on November 22.

Cowell, who is also behind Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent, as well as the Pop Idol series, is said to be "delighted" at the news, adding "I've been very lucky to make the shows I love".

Bosses at the prestigious awards have credited him for work in which he has "reshaped 21st century television and music around the world."

International Academy president Bruce Paisner said: "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."

Cowell has taken the X Factor and Talent franchises across the globe, and his shows are currently seen in some 70 countries worldwide. The star has also launched the success of big-selling musical acts including Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle.

In January he announced that he would be quitting American Idol in the US and plans to introduce The X Factor on the Fox network.

The International Emmy Founders Award recognises individuals who have made an impact on the television industry that crosses cultural boundaries.

Previous recipients have included Oprah Winfrey and Sir David Frost.