SIMON COWELL

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!