Claim: The X Factor is a singing competition in the UK.

Simon Phillip Cowell -LRB- -LSB- ˈkaʊəl -RSB- -RRB- -LRB- born 7 October 1959 -RRB- is an English reality television judge and producer , entrepreneur , and philanthropist . He is most recognised as a judge on the British TV talent competition series Pop Idol , The X Factor , and Britain 's Got Talent , and the American TV talent competition shows American Idol , The X Factor , and America 's Got Talent . Cowell is the principal founder and chief executive of the British entertainment company Syco .  As a judge , Cowell often makes blunt and controversial comments , including insults and wisecracks about contestants and their singing abilities . He combines activities in both the television and music industries . Cowell has produced and promoted singles and albums for various singers that he has taken under his wing . He is currently appearing on the eleventh Series of Britain 's Got Talent and , recently , the thirteenth series of UK 's The X Factor along with the eleventh series of America 's Got Talent .   In 2004 and 2010 , Time named Cowell one of the 100 most influential people in the world . In 2008 The Daily Telegraph ranked him sixth in their list of the `` 100 most powerful people in British culture '' .