American Idol College Flunkie Turned Millionare
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009The famed scowl of brazen American Idol judge Simon Cowell lights up the televisions of more than 21 million viewers a week.
It seems to be working considering you’re worth a reported $200 million. That’s a lot of pounds for a not-so-jolly Brit who dropped out of high school and didn’t even try applying for college.
What’s the secret to Cowell’s success?
“The secret of my success is that I make other people money,” Cowell told Good Morning America during an interview in 2007.
Fairly straightforward words of wisdom from a guy named on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list of the most powerful and highest paid stars.
Yet Cowell walked a different road from his fellow Idol dawg pound-member Randy Jackson. Jackson and his ears for music embraced the traditional four-year college route. He expanded and developed his rhythmic passions while earning a dual Bachelors degree in Music and Psychology from Southern University in Louisiana.
Many people don’t know that Jackson was also a member of the rock band Journey. He’s also played alongside musical heavy-hitters Jerry Garcia, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Carlos Santana.
Jackson’s talent gained further recognition when landed an executive role as vice president of artists and repertoire at Columbia Records, where he spent 8 years. He then worked another four years at MCA Records.
But perhaps nobody’s resume is a colorful as space cadet judge Paula Abdul. This high school cheerleader turned pop sensation has danced her way into every avenue of the entertainment industry.
After high school, Paula Adbul attended California State, Northridge. She majored in TV and radio. Paula joined the L.A. Lakers cheerleaders, and after a few short months became their head cheerleader and choreographer.
This signaled the end of her Cal State college life and a new focus that was solely on dance. After scripting the video moves for The Jacksons, Adbul extended her career to include singing and song writing. Beyond earning a Grammy and multiple music awards, Adbul’s had two #1 albums and seven #1 singles.
Something about Paula that you may not know is that she also manages her own jewelry line. What began as a hobby, making “good luck” gifts for American Idol contestants, is now a complete line, available at QVC.
What American Idol judge do you think had the most “smarts” when it came to choosing a college?
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