Simon Cowell Vs. Demi Lovato

Fox
In recent episodes of The X Factor, the banter between
judges Demi Lovato and Simon Cowell has become increasingly
mean-spirited. (In the Dec. 5 episode, for example, the acerbic
Englishman told the "Give Your Heart a Break" singer her critique of his
group, Emblem3, was "incredibly dumb." Lovato responded by stealing his
microphone and talking over him.)
At the X Factor viewing party in L.A. Dec. 6, the
53-year-old TV mogul refused to say if the former Disney Channel star
will return as a judge in season 3. "It's that time of year. You're
always going to get asked that question, and I'm not going to answer
it," he told Us Weekly. "She's fun. She really, really is tough
little thing. I know she plays the 'I've been bullied' [card]. Trust me,
this one gives as good as she gets."
With only one act left in the competition prior to the Dec. 6 results
show, Cowell implied the new judge may have been intentionally steering
his groups in the wrong direction to save CeCe Frey. (Unfortunately for Lovato, the 21-year-old was the first act sent home that evening.)
"She knew that she was about to be left with no one and it
did get a bit bitchy and unpleasant," Cowell said of Lovato, 20. "I've
got to look after my artists. Luckily, they didn't listen to her."
The remaining four acts -- Emblem3, Fifth Harmony, Carly Rose Sonenclar and Tate Stevens -- will perform when the X Factor returns Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.