24 January 2012 (released)
24 January 2012
Music News's Reality TV reviewer Dean Midas Maynard caught up with top television showbiz correspondent & author Tony Cowell for an insight in to his life and his views on his younger brother's (Simon Cowell) shows.
Dean Midas: When the X Factor and Britain's got talent finally end, who do you think we will look back on and say were the biggest stars?
Tony Cowell: Whether you like her music or not nobody can deny Susan Boyle her success. With over 12 million album sales Susan was the first TV talent show contestant to sell albums worldwide. JLS, and more recently One Direction have become huge stars. None of these artists won BGT or X Factor, which goes to prove that these shows are no longer just about the winners.
DM: If you could compare yourself to a judge in talent show history (apart from Simon) who would it be and why.
TC: Louis Walsh, because, like Simon, he is always true to himself - and he makes me laugh!
DM: What is your favourite film?
TC: The Talented Mr Ripley as Patricia Highsmith is my favourite writer.
DM: What achievement are you most proud of?
TC: Being able to write (and finish) a book.
DM: Where is your favourite place on earth
TC: New York
DM: Give me and the readers an idea of your day during X Factor or Britain's got talent?
TC: Reporting on the American X Factor for US television was a huge challenge as I had never really done it before. I remember landing in LA at 2pm having not slept on the flight. I then had to get changed and go straight to the launch show party with Simon and watch the first show which was two and a half hours long and I kept nodding off. I then had to record a 30 minute TV interview with Simon afterwards which he managed to laugh all the way through. Welcome to Hollywood!
DM: What luxury item would you take to a desert island
TC: Moisturiser
DM: First record you ever brought
TC: Freewheelin by Bob Dylan
DM: What would you like your epitaph to be?
TC: Coming up after the break.....
DM: What is the worst job you have ever done
Tony Cowell: Driving a car onto the set of the TV show The Saint with Roger Moore in the passenger seat. (I was 17 and had never driven a car before!)
DM: Are you working on any new books or projects?
TC: I'm working on a novel about a TV show host who goes mad....
DM: As someone who has an eye for spotting talent, my dream job is to work as a judge on one of Simon's shows, As his brother, what does he look for in his judges??
TC: They have to be pretty, or pretty mad.
Finally Tony, I would personally like to thank you for kindly acknowledging some of my predictions over the years and for your time today.
All the best for 2012 and beyond.
