Simon Fuller To Be Honored With Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Via Press Release:
LOS ANGELES, CA (June 18, 2010) – The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Walk of Fame announced yesterday that 19 Entertainment founder, "American Idol" creator and acclaimed artist manager Simon Fuller was selected as one of the distinguished 2011 honorees to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The new group of entertainment professionals in motion pictures, television, live theater, and recording were chosen from among hundreds of nominations to the committee at a meeting held on June 14, 2010 and ratified by the Chamber's Board of Directors.
Fuller will receive his star in the television category, highlighting his tremendous contribution to the industry with the “American Idol” franchise, which has spun into over 100 other versions around the world. Fuller has also created and produced many other U.S. and European television programs including the FOX hit “So You Think You Can Dance?.” Recently, Fuller achieved a digital music milestone as his star-studded artist roster sold over 160 million songs on iTunes, the world's most popular online music store. Fuller was instrumental in the partnership “American Idol” formed with iTunes in 2002, and his impact on the music business and influence on record sales is unparalleled in the industry.
Alongside Fuller, other honorees in the television category for the Hollywood Walk of Fame include Oprah Winfrey, Tina Fey, Danny DeVito, John Langley, Ed O’Neill, John Wells and Neil Patrick Harris. Some of the recipients in other categories include Reese Witherspoon, Penelope Cruz, and Gwyneth Paltrow, among others.
“To be among such great company is an honour for myself and 'American Idol,'" said Fuller. “Being given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during this special 50th year celebration is an amazing accolade especially as we also approach the 10th anniversary season of 'American Idol.'"
The date of Fuller’s ceremony is to be determined. Recipients have five years to schedule ceremonies from date of selection.
Fuller launched 19 Entertainment in 1985 as a music management company. His first single '19' by Paul Hardcastle has sold over 9 million copies around the world. Since then, Fuller's ideas have frequently been credited with driving change in popular culture. Whether teaching America to text ("American Idol") or by creating 'girl power' (Spice Girls) in the 1990s, his creativity has left an indelible mark and he has repeatedly raised the bar of success. In the world of music, he has consistently set chart and sales records, including selling over 80 million CDs of American Idol music since the show was first broadcast (2002) and managing the Spice Girls phenomenon (56 million albums sold, a $100 million tour, and a movie grossing over $110 million around the world).
In 2008 Billboard magazine announced that Simon Fuller is the most successful British music manager of all time with total single and album sales of his artists exceeding 200 million units around the world, an achievement that ranks him above Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Abba manager Stig Anderson and Elvis Presley manager Col Tom Parker. The Producers Guild of America awarded Fuller its Visionary Award in 2008. TIME Magazine named Simon Fuller as one of the 100 Most Influential People In The World.
He spearheaded 'Idol Gives Back,' the EMMY® award-winning television event that has raised over $180 million for charities. World leaders including the President of the United States and the British Prime Minister, as well as HRH Prince of Wales have recognized Fuller for his charitable work.