Simon Cowell To Be Knighted in June

According to the U.K. Daily Mirror, Simon Cowell will be knighted on June 12, 2010. The American Idol judge will be honored by Queen Elizabeth II at her birthday celebration. Cowell will enter into knighthood thanks to his charity work with victims of the Haiti earthquake, as well as his many contributions to the music industry. 

Cowell is said to be shocked at the news, as he once joked that he had “zero chance” of ever being knighted. Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister is said to have made the recommendation after he quit last week, according to NEW! Magazine. The official announcement is likely to be made next month.

He is known in the United Kingdom and in the United States for his role as a talent judge on TV shows such as "Pop Idol", "The X Factor", "Britain's Got Talent", and most notably, "American Idol". Cowell also co-owns Syco Records, and is responsible for signing breakout artists like Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, and Alexandra Burke. Cowell recently announced that he will not be returning to "Idol" for its 10th Season. A replacement has not yet been announced.

Several "American Idol" contestants have been seen on the Broadway stage, including Barrino (The Color Purple), Hicks (Grease), Clay Aiken (Spamalot), Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray, Hair), Josh Strickland (Tarzan), Tamyra Gray (Rent, Bombay Dreams), Constantine Maroulis (The Wedding Singer, Rock of Ages), and Ace Young (Hair).

American Idol airs on Tuesday and Wednesday nights on Fox at 8PM EST.