Cowell urges Idol wannabes to be nice to animals

Tough-talking American Idol judge Simon Cowell has given pop wannabes auditioning for his hit TV talent contest a big tip - he likes singers who are kind to animals.

Despite being dubbed Mr Nasty for his scathing criticisms on the show, the British music mogul admits he has a soft side when it comes to pets - and he'll campaign against a contestant if he finds they are mean to animals.