Simon Fuller, the British creator of hit TV show “American Idol,” received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday surrounded by some of the real-life stars he has helped to create. “Whenever I see that star, I won’t see my name, I’ll see all names of the people I’ve worked (with) and all those amazing artists and people that have helped me achieve this stuff,” Fuller said as his star was unveiled. Over a 25-year career, Fuller has managed singers Annie Lennox, The Spice Girls and Amy Winehouse, English soccer player David Beckham, tennis player Andy Murray, racing driver Lewis Hamilton and a trio of “American Idol” champions, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and David Cook.
Former “Spice Girl” Victoria Beckham, “Idol” judges Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, Underwood, Clarkson and the current “American Idol” finalists all joined Fuller for the ceremony. Fuller recalled that when he and entrepreneur Simon Cowell first tried to sell “American Idol” in the United States, “we had that show turned down by every single network” with the exception of Fox, on which the ratings juggernaut airs.
Created first in Britain as “Pop Idol” in 2001, the format has since been sold to more than 120 other countries and created a multi-billion-dollar global recording, TV and merchandising franchise. Fuller also created the Fox dance contest series, “So You Think You Can Dance”. Fuller received his star one the eve of the two-part finale in Los Angeles of the 10th season of “American Idol”, which has been the most-watched show on U.S. television for seven consecutive years.
