Demi Lovato Promises A ‘Softer Side’ To Simon Cowell

X Factor judge Demi Lovato said that fans will see a “softer side” of famously cantankerous judge Simon Cowell in coming seasons after she managed to crack his acerbic “tough guy” exterior.

“I think we’ve cracked his shell a little bit,” Lovato told E! News of her co-host.

“I think people are going to see that he’s actually a really nice guy. It doesn’t mean he’s going to be any more polite to contestants that he doesn’t think are talented. But people are going to see a softer side of him definitely this year.

Lovato and Cowell have become well-known for their sometimes-heated onscreen bouts, but the 20-year-old singer says that she believes she has finally rubbed off on him in a positive way.

“People are surprised, and I was definitely surprised — especially after working with him for so long, too. He’s just continued to surprise me… in being just a really great person and he’s really sensitive and he’s a good guy and people only see the really mean Simon on TV. The thing is he’s just saying what all of us are thinking anyways.”

Cowell became famous in the public mind for his often brutally honest critiques of music hopefuls on shows like American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent. Though his crankiness is part of his appeal, it might be interesting to see him dole out as much encouragement as criticism in coming seasons of The X Factor.

And Demi definitely thinks the show just keeps getting better. Season 3 adds new judges Paulina Rubio and Kelly Rowland to the mix, and Lovato said that it will be the best season yet.

“I feel like this season is so different and, dare I say it, better than last season. Not just talent wise, but the chemistry between the entire panel is like family. We have bonded.”

Are you a fan of The X Factor? Do you think that Demi Lovato has brought out a softer side of Simon Cowell?

[Image: Wikimedia Commons]