Gary Barlow after Cowell's crown?

Gary Barlow is apparently hoping to become the new Simon Cowell after getting his own record label. The Take That star has been given his own label by Universal boss Lucian Grainge so he can sign up his own new acts, the Sun reports. An industry source said last night: "It's a masterstroke. With Gary's incredible writing ability and contacts, the acts will be in the best possible hands." The Rule The World singer is said to have already signed his first talented new artist - a young male singer who is now tipped for the top and has begun working with Gary and songwriting friend Cathy Dennis. Gary, 37, recently beat the last winner of Simon Cowell's X Factor - Leon Jackson - in a chart race with the single he wrote for Peter Kay, The Winner's Song. The spoof song was performed by Peter - in character as transsexual Geraldine - in a show mocking The X Factor called Britain's Got The Pop Factor. Gary has also written Geraldine a Christmas single in an attempt to beat the latest X Factor winner to Christmas no 1.