The 'X Factor' creator and the 'America's Got Talent' judge top the annual list compiled by Forbes with $95 million each, while Oprah Winfrey falls from No. 1 to No. 4 this year.
- Aug 9, 2013
AceShowbiz - Simon Cowell's vast television franchise has earned him and Howard Stern a lot. The British TV producer and the radio personality, who serves as a judge on Cowell-created "America's Got Talent", are tied for the top spot on Forbes' annual list of Highest-Paid TV Personalities with $95 million each.
Cowell, dubbed a major behind-the-scenes mogul by the magazine, made most of his money through "The X Factor" which is now on in 41 countries and his "Got Talent" which is now the biggest-selling television franchise in the world. The 53-year-old also has a share in the success of popular group One Direction, which he formed after they competed on British "The X Factor" in 2010. He was third last year.
Stern, moving up from No. 2 last year, is earning a lot from his SiriusXM radio show. In addition, he's reportedly paid $15 million for his judging stint on "America's Got Talent".
Oprah Winfrey, who topped the list last year, falls to the fourth spot with $77 million. Though her network OWN faced a setback in 2012, it's now making a profit. She's also making plenty with Harpo-produced TV spin-offs, such as "Dr. Phil", "The Rachel Ray Show" and "The Dr. Oz Show".
On the third place is Glenn Beck, whose Internet program "The Blaze" has become a hit since it launched in 2011. He's estimated to have earned $90 million from June 2012 to June 2013.
Rounding up the top five is Dr. Phil McGraw with an estimated $72 million. Other TV personalities making it into the top ten in respective order are Rush Limbaugh, Donald Trump, Ryan Seacrest, Ellen DeGeneres and Judy Sheindlin.
Forbes compiled the list after talking to "producers, managers, agents and other in-the-know folks to come up with estimates for how much each celebrity earned from entertainment-related work."
1. Simon Cowell - $95 million (tie)
