Simon’s next factor

‘Game-changing’ music project and new US show for telly mogul Cowell

SIMON Cowell really has got the X Factor – after lining up a string of new TV and music deals.

The music mogul is more in demand than ever just eight months after downsizing his global empire.

Simon let go of the majority of his Syco staff in January to “focus on family” and his judging duties in front of the camera on Britain’s Got Talent and its American counterpart.

But the 63-year-old has been especially buoyed by the popularity of the latter show, whose finale was the most-watched American show over the summer with more than seven million viewers.

A source said: “The extraordinary success of AGT which has exceeded all expectations has only galvanised Simon.

“It seems there is no stopping him, even in his 60s when people start thinking about putting their feet up.”

Insiders say that the judge is now working on a top-secret music project pals have called “game changing.”

Simon himself would only say: “I am getting back in the music business with something I’m going to announce soon.”

TV-wise, there are other projects in the pipeline too. The media mogul is working on US show “50 States to Stardom”, described as a “mix of music competition and documentary to discover America’s next greatest talent”. In the UK, there are also rumours that he is looking at bringing back The X Factor, with Channel 5 a potential home. A source added: “These are very much the tip of the iceberg. Simon is busier than ever.” Simon has recently signed up with Ant and Dec’s management agency YMU, who are spearheading the UK drive of the “global creative visionary”.