Cowell dodges traffic fine

Music mogul Simon Cowell managed to talk his way out of a traffic ticket in California at the weekend after striking up a conversation with the police officer about his fellow 'American Idol' judges.

The usually sharp-tongued Brit was pulled over by a cop for failing to wear his seat belt and failing to display his car registration plate during a drive through Beverly Hills.

But Cowell worked his charm on the officer, laughing and joking about other 'American Idol' stars the policeman had pulled over in the past - and was let go with just a warning.