Simon Cowell Not a Victim of the Recession

The American Idol and Britain”s Got Talent judge is one of the few people whose wallet is getting fatter while the economy plummets.

He is now 7% richer than he was last year. His net fortune is valued at $175.2 million, according to the Sunday Times list of the richest Brits in the music industry.

Paul McCartney comes in third place, but his fortune has fallen from $730 to 642.4 million. Elton John saw his net value decrease by 26%, while Mick Jagger lost 16%, and Sting, 10%.

Amy Winehouse’s fortune was severed in half, due to not releasing any new material recently.

New to the list this year is Duffy, who is worth $5.86 million.