Quotes from Simon Cowell

I probably get more satisfaction from making a show than being on a show.

You are a saucy little thing aren't you?

My own saying is: 'Create the hype, but don't ever believe it.'

When you get your first pay cheque, it's the best feeling in the world.

Not everybody is perfect, and I don't think we should be looking for perfect people.

Rules equal boredom, and I don't like that.

I've always been petrified of working for a boss who I didn't like but who I was in fear of, because I wanted my salary.

As an actor, I really like Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think he's a genius.

Anyone who goes on 'The X Factor' to make big money will be in for a big shock.

Good is not enough. You've got to be great.

I break up very well. I am a good breaker-upper.

What I would argue in my defence is that shows like Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor have actually got people more interested in music again and are sending more people into record stores.

The artists who endure are the ones who stay focused even after they have reached the top of their profession.

Most things in music go full circle eventually.

I can't think of one person who is on TV who isn't vain. It's the nature of the beast. If you are on TV then you have a vanity, for sure. Just admit it! Why not?

I have always hated celebrities lecturing people on politics.

Beyonce is good-looking. Jennifer Lopez is good-looking. Madonna used to be good-looking.

I've spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on the very best security and I can assure you my homes are as safe as the Bank of England.

There was nothing I could - and wanted to - learn in school. It was just a complete waste of my time.

At 20, you're cocky and you think you can rule the world, and you get it all wrong.

I could just sit back and get someone to spin my achievements, I suppose, but when I see others do it, I always think, 'Why are you telling me how successful you are?' I am always suspicious of those kinds of boasts.

If I had to say who is the number-one most powerful figure is in reality TV, it's very easy. It is the general public. They're the only people who have power now.

Harshness to me is giving somebody false hopes and not following through. That's harsh. Telling some guy or some girl who've got zero talent that they have zero talent actually is a kindness.

Shave off your beard and wear a dress. You would be a great female impersonator.