'Mr Nasty' Cowell a hit in US

British judge Simon Cowell has proved himself the biggest winner of American Idol – the US version of Pop Idol.

The music executive has shot to fame in the States as Idol’s brutally frank judge and now he has reportedly signed up for the second season of the reality hit show.

That series is due to be broadcast on American network Fox early next year.

One source told The Hollywood Reporter that Cowell will receive at least £700,000 (€1.1m) for American Idol 2.

There is no word yet on Cowell’s fellow judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson but they too are expected to return.

American Idol began its 24-episode run with limited expectations but unexpectedly became a major hit in America in part due to Cowell’s role as Mr Nasty.

His put-downs of aspiring singers have made him a household name in the States just as they did in the UK.