Simon Cowell tops Forbes’ highest-earning TV personalities list in 2012 with $95 million

Simon Cowell tops Forbes magazine’s list of highest-earning TV personalities in 2012-13 after raking $95 million in just 12 months.

Simon Cowell, 53, was tied with radio and television presenter Howard Stern, who is also host on America’s Got Talent, reported the New York Post.

The X Factor now airs in 41 countries around the world, and Got Talent has become the biggest selling franchise, spreading to Afghanistan and Vietnam.

Simon Cowell recently hit the headlines when it was announced that he is to have a baby with married socialite Lauren Silverman.

Lauren Silverman, 36, who is 11 weeks’ pregnant with the pop mogul’s child, has made it clear to friends that it is her intention to marry Simon Cowell as soon as her divorce comes through.

Her brother-in-law, Alexander Silverman, insisted that news of her pregnancy constituted a breach of trust by Simon Cowell, as he had been close friends with both Lauren and millionaire husband Andrew.

Simon Cowell, who is worth an estimated $305 million, insisted he will do everything he can to support and provide for his child after the news broke that Lauren Silverman is expecting.

Also on the Forbes list was Oprah Winfrey who made $77 million, down from her $165 million in 2011/12.

The Apprentice host Donald Trump also appeared, raking in $63 million in just one year.

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest ($61 million), Ellen DeGeneres ($56 million) and Judge Judy Sheindlin ($47 million) also made the list of top TV earners.

Phil McGraw came fifth as he managed to make $72 million from his Dr Phil daytime television.