Reports of tension between Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell on the set of American Idol are confirmed in this video

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Simon Cowell has been deemed the top earning man in prime-time U.S. television after raking in $75 million from June 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009. The 50-year-old American Idol star beat out Donald Trump and co-star Ryan Seacrest for the top spot on the Forbes list.

The individuals’ total earnings reflects income from all of each person’s ventures — not just their prime-time pursuits. For example, in addition to American Idol, Cowell also profits from his record label, which has signed the likes of Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle.

The top ten prime-time earners are:

1. Simon Cowell ($75 million)
2. Donald Trump ($50 million)
3. Ryan Seacrest ($38 million)
4. Charlie Sheen ($21 million)
5. Steve Carell ($20 million)
6. Howie Mandel ($15 million)
7. Kiefer Sutherland ($13 million)
8. Jeff Foxworthy ($11 million)
9. Hugh Laurie ($10 million)
10. David Caruso ($9 million)

Simon Cowell wasn’t messing around when it came time to his 50th birthday this weekend. Sources say the American Idol judge threw a $2 million bash at Wrotham Park Manor outside of London on Saturday. He turned an outdoor tent into a bustling Vegas showroom for his 400-plus guests, including Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson, Sharon Osbourne, Olivia Newton-John, David Hasselhoff, Piers Morgan, Terri Seymour, Gordon Ramsay and Andrew Lloyd Weber. Both Paula Abdul and Elton John were supposed to attend. Several performers played the event, including Leona Lewis. Earth, Wind and Fire were flown in from Vegas for $200,000. Cowell thanked all of his guests for coming, calling himself “lucky.”

Simon even had a little fun, poking fun at himself by putting his face on paintings, wallpaper, cupcakes and even on the porta-potties.

Paula Abdul might be skipping Simon Cowell’s upcoming 50th birthday bash. The former American Idol judge announced that she’s sick and hinted that she might not be able to join her former colleagues as they celebrate Simon’s big day.

Paula tweeted, “So bummed! I might not be able to go to Simon’s B-day after all. Waiting on the Dr. to see if I’ll get over this flu in time. Even had a funny surprise in store for him.”

Reports say the black-tie affair will have a 1920s theme and will be held at the “lavish estate,” Wrotham Park.
Elton John, Kate Moss, Kevin Spacey and Piers Morgan are some of the celebrities expected to attend. Radar didn’t specify what day the bash is, but Cowell’s birthday is October 7th.

Simon Cowell says that American Idol is “different” without Paula Abdul. The judge says talking about the show pre and post Paula is “like comparing a carrot to a banana.” The 49-year-old added that he’s not worried about Abdul’s uncertain future because the entertainer is “someone who will always work.” Despite their occasional on-set tension, he admitted, “I miss her.”