Top 10 Tycoons of Two-Thousands: Part 1

By: Jordan Rowe

When you think about a tycoon what comes to mind? Do you think of someone powerful, like a big oil man? Or, do your thoughts drift to someone who wields a great amount of influence, like the President? Merriam-Webster defines the word tycoon as a person of rank, power, or influence in a certain field. More from curiosity than anything else, I decided to rank the Top 10 Tycoons of the 2000s. I wanted to determine who wielded the most power over the past decade, or who was able to extert the most amount of influence across the popular culture. Now, this isn't a Top 10 Earnings List. Though money may follow success, it doesn't often determine it. The Aughts are interesting because unlike previous time periods, a shift in control occured from the more traditional moneymakers to more tech-savy players. So without further ado...I give you 10-6 of the Top 10 Tycoons of the 2000s.

10. Glenn Beck-Beck has come a long way since the beginning of the decade. The Glenn Beck Program first aired in 2000 on a Tampa, FL AM station, but has grown to over six and a half million listeners on over 280 radio stations. His switch from CNN's Headline News to Fox News in 2008 has only increased his market value. As of September of 2009, Beck's TV program drew more viewers than the competing time-slot shows on MSNBC, CNN, and HLN combined. He's also written a number of best sellers during the decade including his recent NY Times best seller...Aruging with Idiots. You'd have to be an idiot not to agree that Beck is a tycoon of the 2000s.

9. Simon Fuller-He created the 2000 phenomenon American Idol. Idol debuted in 2002 on Fox and is arguably the most popular show on American TV's. It's currently #1 and has been at #1 in the Nielsen Ratings for five consecutive seasons. America has been blessed with Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and David Cook because of Simon Fuller.

8. Lebron James-The nation was first captivated by "The King," when ESPN began televising his high school basketball games. A phenom right out of high school, James has taken the Cavaliers to elite status...though he's still missing a ring. Recently named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2009, Lebron's stock just continues to increase. Aside from his cool 15 million dollar salary, he does endorsements for Nike, Sprite, Upper Deck, State Farm, Bubblicious, and Glaceau. We should have known all along...the man has "Chosen 1" tatooed on his back!

7. Sarah Palin-Oh, Sarah! John McCain's surprise pick as Vice-Presidential Candidate in the 2008 GOP campaign has taken the nation by storm. Her new book...Going Rogue...came out today and she appeared on Oprah Monday to begin her book tour. Even long after the campaign, America is fascinated by her family and life in Alaska. Her decision to step down as Governor of Alaska sparked a great amount of discussion on her running for President in 2012. No doubt, this hockey mom is a tycoon of the 2000s.

6. Michael Jackson-Maybe more popular in death than in life, Michael Jackson's passing caused the world to shed tears. The King of Pop first came to life long before the Aughts saw their first breath. As the lead singer of the Jackson 5, America got their first dose of Michael singing I Want You Back on the Ed Sullivan Show. His change of appearance and child sexual abuse accusations have tainted the Jackson legacy. But, his death this past year, for many, signaled the end of an era in popular music. For over four decades the King of Pop brought us dance moves and music to last an eternity.

The Top 5 Tycoons of the Decade will be released Wednesday, November 18.