Simon Cowell feels bad for Louis Tomlinson

1 August 2016

Simon Cowell has admitted Louis Tomlinson was unlucky to miss out on a judging role on this year's 'X Factor'.

Simon Cowell

The music mogul insisted the One Direction star's stint on 'America's Got Talent' was a great success with everyone from the show's bosses to the network approving of him, so much so he nearly landed a job as a panellist on the upcoming series of 'The X Factor'.

While Simon feels bad for Louis missing out on the position, he admitted the show returned to its heritage by re-appointing Louis Walsh as a judge.

He said: "Louis is a young guy and doing America's Got Talent show was a great experience. The network liked him, the producers liked him.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he has been offered a lot of other shows already."

Simon has backed Louis to join a rival programme, but he would not be happy if he got a job on 'The Voice'.

He added to The Sun newspaper: "Forget it. Don't think they haven't tried as well."

While the 'X Factor' judge is happy with Louis he admitted to being a "bit annoyed" with his One Direction bandmate for singing for a rival record label.

He said: "It is a bit annoying if I am honest with you - mainly because it is another label who has now got your artist who you worked with for so many years. But that is the music business, unfortunately. I don't think anyone else from the band will do that.

"We had spoken a lot - him and I - about what he wanted to do next. But I guess he read about Harry's deal and thought we weren't interested. My impression was that he wasn't in any hurry to make a record because he discussed this last year. He was more into songwriting."

Simon admitted he was "surprised" when he heard Liam had penned a deal with Capitol.

He "I was teasing him saying, 'If you come up with a great song Liam make sure it is for you and don't give it away. When you're ready I am ready.' So I was a bit surprised.

"Of course there is a part of you that goes, 'Maybe we should have had the conversation.' That maybe is my fault but it has happened now."

Liam is now dating one-time 'X Factor' judge Cheryl, who famously fell out with Simon - who has two-year-old son Eric with his partner Lauren Silverman - when he sacked her from 'X Factor' USA just days into filming.

But the pair are now good friends and he believes she is great mother material.

He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Cheryl would be an amazing mum. I have seen her with my son Eric and other kids over the years and she is incredible. She is very good with them.

"I think she is in a good place in her life right now. I had dinner with her a couple of months ago with Liam [Payne] and they were great. I saw her the other night and she was on great form. She stays in contact on phone and text and she is good. But I do think she misses working with me."