Pop idol guru on song with opera project: Cowell back in A&R seat with host of new launches.(Talent)

The high-profile launch last week of Simon Cowen's opera crossover act Il Divo marked the start of what will be a whirlwind schedule for the UK's highest-profile record executive.

After spending much of the year working in the US, Cowell is firmly back at the helm of his BMG joint venture company Syco Music, which along with Il Divo is preparing to launch Westlife's new album for S Records and is also the production company for his new ITV show X Factor.

Westlife last week completed recording on their as-yet-untitled sixth album, a collection of Rat Pack covers. It was a process Cowell has enjoyed. "It is my favourite kind of music so I have been able to get involved heavily with choosing the songs; he says.

Cowell himself admits that, with Westlife now veterans of the pop world, a different approach was needed with their new album, which has been produced by longtime associate Steve Mac and will include songs made famous by the likes of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Retailers will be hoping that it has a similar impact to Robbie Williams' Swing When You're Winning album in 2001.

"At some point you have to accept that they can't he a boy band forever? he says. "We are in uncharted waters with this band, it's their sixth album, so in terms of a pop act it really is no man's land."

The November launch of the Westlife album will be linked with a prime-time ITV show based around the band, titled She's The One. The programme is further evidence of Cowell's ongoing strategy to integrate his traditional record company projects with original concepts in the wider entertainment field.

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