I do see a big difference in the American work ethic compared to the British work ethic in a lot of artists.
When I think of invention, I always think of America. You’re always seeing ads: ‘Have you got the next big idea?’ There seems to be that spirit in America of inventions and inventors.
Anything I shouldn’t laugh at makes me laugh.
Everyone who turns up on ‘X Factor’ does it because a door has been closed to them at some time in their lives, and this is the only shot they have got.
Work hard, be patient, and be a sponge while learning your business. Learn how to take criticism. Follow your gut instincts and don’t compromise.
I’ve never liked the idea you have to be a certain age to be a pop star. I like the idea that anybody can enter, anybody can compete.
Most things in music go full circle eventually.
I hate belongings. I hate clutter. It really bothers me because I can’t think properly. If you’ve got distractions in front of you, your mind goes nuts.
The only people with power today are the audience. And that is increasing with Twitter, Facebook, and everything else. We cater to their likes and dislikes, and you ignore that at your peril.
The object of this competition is not to be mean to the losers but to find a winner. The process makes you mean because you get frustrated.
If I had to say who is the number-one most powerful figure is in reality TV, it’s very easy. It is the general public. They’re the only people who have power now.
My proudest achievement has been the success of the shows and artists I have been involved with, because they were made in Britain.
It’s the government’s job to encourage entrepreneurialism and investment. Most importantly, it’s the government’s duty to inspire confidence.
Thank God kids love following an artist. When you get a group who pop, it’s the best thing in the world.
The minute you start assuming that the audience is very happy to see the same show again, you’re dead.
If I tape an 11-hour day, guess which parts end up on air. Not the bits when I’m pleasant, but the parts when I’m obnoxious.
You always want to go to a party where you get an invite.
They understand what their market is and who they should be selling records to, and most importantly, they know the kind of artist that they want to be, but they have to do it themselves. You don’t want a 13-year-old singing some awful song from a musical.
Sincerity is romantic. I don’t think you need gestures.
The artists who endure are the ones who stay focused even after they have reached the top of their profession.