Cowell to be honoured by US television industry

TV talent supremo Simon Cowell is to be honoured with a top award by the US television industry.

The 'X Factor' guru will receive the 2010 International Emmy Founders Award for “changing the face of television” globally.

Cowell, 50, has become one of the most successful figures in TV since first finding on-screen fame as a judge on Pop Idol.

He went on to appear in the US version, American Idol, as well as developing The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

Earlier this year he announced plans to export The X Factor to the other side of the Atlantic.

International Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences 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.”

He will receive his award at a New York gala on November 22. Cowell said he was “delighted” with the honour.

“I’ve been very lucky to be able to make shows that I love,” he added.