Wednesday, 15 October 2008

• Prev
• Next

Simon Cowell lined up for Outstanding Contribution Award at Brits

The X Factor judge is frontrunner for prestigious gong

Simon Cowell is mentoring the under-25 boys on The X Factor this year

Simon Cowell is the hot tip to collect the Outstanding Contribution To Music Award at the Brits next year.

The X Factor judge is said to have overtaken George Michael, 45, in the running, following the singer’s arrest last month.

But industry insiders reckon the decision will be met with criticism because Simon, 48, only manages acts.

‘If Cowell gets the big gong it will cause an almighty stink in the music game,’ a source tells The Sun. ‘He will be the first svengali to win rather than an artist – the publicity worldwide would be enormous.

‘He is open to the idea. The timing is perfect to highlight the success of Leona Lewis in the US.’

Previous winners include legends Sir Paul McCartney, 66, U2, Sting, 57, David Bowie, 61, Tom Jones, 68, and Paul Weller, 50.

The Brits take place at Earls Court in February.