IS SIMON COWELL JOINING UMG?

According to a report in U.K. tabloid the Daily Mail, Simon Cowell is joining Universal Music Group as a talent scout, hired by Sir Lucian Grainge.

The possible move follows Cowell’s exit from Sony; he has acquired its stake in what was previously their global joint venture, Syco Entertainment, which has reportedly been “downsized.”

Grainge has said he’s tried to hire his longtime friend on multiple occasions. When Cowell was named A&R Icon at the A&R Awards in London in 2018, Grainge told MBW: “Each time he left me waiting at the altar. A brilliant record maker with phenomenal instincts for crossover hits, I’m thrilled to see him being recognized for his incredible A&R talent.”

If the Daily Mail story is true, what role will Cowell officially play at UMG? Stay tuned.