Cowell Has The Checks Factor

“X Factor” supremo Simon Cowell has jumped five places to make the Top 10 on the “Sunday Times Rich List” of Britain’s music millionaires.

Last year his wealth was estimated at £165 million, putting him at No. 11 on the list, but it’s since soared by an estimated £35 million and now he’s No. 6.

That’s still one place and £175 million behind friend and rival Simon Fuller, the man behind such TV shows as “Pop Idol” and “American Idol,” which set Cowell on the road to TV stardom.

Clive Calder, who sold Zomba Records in 2002, returns to the top of the list with £1.3 billion. He regained the position after Warner Music boss Edgar Bronfman moved back to New York from his temporary home in London.

Second place goes to Andrew Lloyd-Webber with £680 million, while impresario Cameron Mackintosh (£675 million) is in third place. Paul McCartney (£495 million) is ranked fourth.

With Fuller and Cowell respectively occupying fifth and sixth places, the remainder of the Top 10 is Elton John (£195 million), Mick Jagger (£190 million), Sting (£180 million) and Keith Richards (£175 million).

U2 remains top of the Irish music rich list with its wealth increasing from £429 million to £455 million. Dancer Michael Flatley is next with £214 million.

Third place goes to promoter Denis Desmond and his wife Caroline, whose joint wealth is estimated at £185 million.

Their Dublin-based holding company, which has MCD Promotions and a share of Academy Music Group, is said to be worth £171 million. They also own and run some Irish music venues.