Cowell's X Idol

TV

09:30 17 February 2005

Simon Cowell has confessed his jet-set lifestyle is really beginning to affect him - he once couldn't remember if he was appearing on 'The X Factor' or 'American Idol'.

The music producer was splitting his time between appearing on the British TV talent show and its US counterpart last year and admits it really started to confuse him.

He said: "I do far too much flying. I get horrendously jet-lagged. Last year, we were auditioning in San Francisco for 'American Idol 4', and I actually thought I was on 'The X Factor'. For a few seconds I thought I was back in England. I suddenly remembered looking at Paula Abdul and thinking, Christ, this is the American show!"

Meanwhile, Simon has admitted he prefers Paula Abdul to Sharon Osbourne.

The pop svengali, who has clashed with both women while judging pop hopefuls on TV, says he has more respect for Paula because she criticises him to his face while Sharon does it behind his back.

He said in an interview with Britain's OK magazine: "I prefer Paula. I find it easier to get on with her. Sharon gobs off to the press the whole time - I think if you're going to say something to someone you should say it to their face.'

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