The music mogul - who first achieved TV stardom as a judge on 2001 UK TV talent show `Pop Idol` - was handed the International Emmy Founders Award at the ceremony at The Hilton hotel in New York City on 22.11.10 for his contributions to TV and entertainment, and he admitted he was delighted to receive the accolade.

Simon - who was handed his prize by News Corporation CEO Rupert Murdoch - joked: "Whoever said fame, money, success will destroy you, was completely wrong. Bring it on! My life was boring before I went on TV."

Paying tribute to "amazingly talented and charismatic" Simon, Rupert praised him for his work on `The X Factor`, `American Idol` and the `Got Talent` franchise, which he said made the British star a "phenomenal media impresario" for his "enormous cultural contributions".

He added: "Simon has helped make Fox Broadcasting number one season after season over the past decade.

"I`m confident his launch of `X Factor` in the US next year will build on that success for years to come.

"No one has done more in the past decade to build the fortunes of Fox Broadcasting."

Other winners at the ceremony - which was hosted by actor Jason Priestly - included actor Bob Hoskins for his role on `The Street` and `Enid` actress Helena Bonham Carter.

The 38th International Emmy Awards recognise the best in television that was produced, and initially aired, outside the US.
sections: Celebrities