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.

In an upcoming interview with People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals' (PETA) internet magazine HelpingAnimals.com, Cowell says: "Would I be more sympathetic (to contestants) if they were animal lovers? Yes… of course.

"Maybe some people are surprised that I like animals, but there's a bit of a difference between telling someone who's a useless singer: 'You're a useless singer,' (and) drowning a puppy.

"I once had an incident with a guy who auditioned who actually admitted he likes killing animals. (He) didn't go through."

Auditions for the new season of American Idol got underway earlier this week.