Simon Cowell’s ‘Got Talent’ Series Sets Guinness World Record
Simon Cowell boasts a hefty resume of involvement in talent-seeking TV shows, from the classic ‘American Idol’ to the more recently shelved ‘The X Factor USA,’ but the ‘Got Talent’ series might just be the music mogul’s most successful venture yet.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Guinness Book of World Records has officially designated ‘Got Talent’ as the world’s most successful reality TV format, earning the title because of its as-of-yet undefeated number of adaptations.
Congratulations, Mr. Cowell! For someone who has brought the likes of Kelly Clarkson and One Direction to the world, we’re not surprised that Cowell’s got an eye and an ear for the music biz.
Cowell launched the ‘Got Talent’ series with ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2007. The show famously launched the career of season three runner-up Susan Boyle, who first wowed viewers with her rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream.’ In the seven years since Cowell’s conception, ‘Got Talent’ has been adapted 59 times in 58 countries. (Belgium, lucky them, gets two versions.)
Alistair Richards, President of the Guinness World Records, congratulated the ‘Got Talent’ team on their success. “We are delighted to confirm that ‘Got Talent’ has broken the previous world record,” Richards said, “and is now the official Guinness World Record holder for the most successful reality television format, a landmark moment in television record-breaking history. Congratulations!”
Cowell, humble guy that he is, refused to take all the credit. “We owe [Got Talent]’s success to a group of very talented producers all over the world who have made this happen. And of course amazing talent,” Cowell added.
‘America’s Got Talent’ is the longest running local version of the show and will premiere its ninth season next month. Here’s to many more seasons, Simon!