The 2008 TIME 100 Finalists

Read about the leaders, artists, enterpreneurs and thinkers who, in your opinion, deserve a spot on this year's TIME 100 —Scott Brown and Michelle Kung

SIMON COWELL

Stephen Shugerman / Getty
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AGE: 48
OCCUPATION: A&R exec, reality TV judge
NUMBER OF TIME COVERS: 0
PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ON THE TIME 100: 1

PRO: As the caustic, charismatic judge on juggernaut reality competitions American Idol and The X-Factor, among others, Cowell has tapped into how music fans think and single-handedly boosted Fox to No. 1. The secret softie has begun using his influence and millions to aid third-world countries.

CON: He's also made Clay Aiken's debut in Spamalot possible. And what's all this gay-baiting banter with Ryan Seacrest? Just kiss him already!

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