Simon Cowell May Be Tapped for Knighthood

The United Kingdom's "Daily Mail" reported December 20^th that Simon Cowell would likely soon be dubbed "Sir Simon" by British Queen Elizabeth. The Queen's 2011 New Year's Honours List is likely to be revealed from Buckingham Palace on New Year's Eve, according to tradition. Each year, the Queen publishes a list of notables, decreeing who will become titled as Sirs, Lords, Knights and more.

Royal correspondent Neal Sean confirmed the rumors on the potential knighting of Simon Cowell, appearing on "Access Hollywood Live" with Lisa Rinna on December 20^th.

Why would Simon Cowell be chosen for knighthood?

The honor likely results from the popular British music executive and television personality's charitable efforts, particularly raising relief funds for Haiti.

In 2010, Simon Cowell gathered a group of celebrities to record a cover version of R.E.M.'s 1992 hit single, "Everybody Hurts." The effort began with a personal request from Gordon Brown, who was serving as British Prime Minister at the time.

The "Everybody Hurts" group included Jon Bon Jovi, Susan Boyle, James Blunt, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart and more. Proceeds from the sale of the song benefit the people of the disaster-torn island nation of Haiti. Within a week, the hit single raised more than US$1.5 million .

(CTRL-click here to view the "Everybody Hurts" music video in a new internet window.)

Simon Cowell also supports Children's Hospices UK, London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, the World Society for the Protection of Animals and other charitable causes.

For the 2010 holiday season, Simon Cowell is currently vacationing in the Caribbean with his fianceé, 37-year-old "American Idol" make-up artist Mezghan Hussainy.

What is a knighthood?

British knighthood is one of the top honors available in the United Kingdom. Conferred by the reigning monarch (now Queen Elizabeth), usually in a public ceremony, knighthood recognizes memorable contributions to the arts, charity, military efforts, science or other important endeavors.

Who is Simon Cowell?

Simon Cowell (51) is a British music producer, who became internationally popular as a judge on the reality television talent competition "Britain's Got Talent" and a similar hit seriesn itn eh United States, FOX TV's "American Idol." In 2010, Simon Cowell left "American Idol" to produce a similar show, titled "X Factor."

As a talent agent, Simon Cowell has been credited with the discoveries of such performers as singers Susan Boyle and Leona Lewis.