Cheryl Fernandez-Versini thinks Simon Cowell is a "genius".
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini
The 'Only Human' hitmaker believes she and fellow 'X Factor' judges Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw are giving the music mogul "energy", as well as teaching him more youthful catchphrases, but they all have a lot of respect for the show boss.
She said: "We are giving him energy and teaching him new words. Rita's catchphrase is, 'Mash it up, mash it up, mash it up, boom', and Simon said last night, 'I'm going to mash it up.'
"We all respect him though - he's seen all the changes and had a lot of success. You can't deny the guy is a genius."
And Simon helps the panel get back to "reality" when they get carried away during filming.
She added: "Nick and Rita are fresh eyes and they have a new way of looking at things. Me and Rita have stood on that stage so we know what they're feeling.
"Grimmy is thinking, will I play this record - which is crucial. And then we've got our old veteran, the mogul himself, guiding us.
"Sometimes if we go a little bit off the chart he's like, 'OK, back to reality.' "
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