Simon Cowell is the second highest paid star on TV - earning a massive $45 million a year.
The TV mogul's salary, which he earns from shows such as 'American Idol' and 'America's Got Talent', landed him the runner-up spot on TV Guide magazine's new rich list.
Cowell, 47, is famed for his scathing comments as a judge on both talent shows and 'American Idol' is regularly watched by more than 30 million viewers.
British actor Hugh Laurie also features on the list of best paid TV stars.
He picks up $300,000 an episode for playing the lead role in Emmy-nominated medical drama 'House.'
With 20 episodes per series, this means the 48-year-old actor's annual salary is around $6 million.
But both Cowell and Laurie are a long way behind Oprah Winfrey, who tops the list with massive annual earnings of $260 million.
The TV chat show host also recently topped Forbes magazine's 2007 rich list.
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