Pop sensation and 'X Factor USA' panelist Demi Lovato has opened up about her relationship with colleague Simon Cowell and also addressed the reports that suggest he is set to become a father.

Speaking to Access Hollywood about working alongside the mean man, the 'Heart Attack' beauty confessed that he's softening up as their friendship progresses:

"This season, I think, is a little monumental in his life because he has become... we've been the first few maybe to crack his shell. People see a mean guy on TV, but he's just brutally honest. He says what we're all thinking. I've had heart-to-heart talks with him and he's a really great guy. He's sensitive and he's got a big heart. He's going to hate it when he hears me saying this, but I think he's a great person."

When asked how she feels about the Fox family 'expanding by one', which was a hint towards the recent rumours that suggest Cowell is to become a father after impregnating the wife of his friend, Lovato exclaimed:

"I don't know what you're talking about! That's crazy!"

The music mogul was asked if he was expecting his first child with Lauren Silverman at the Television Critics Association meeting in Beverly Hills yesterday (August 1), but refused to confirm the speculation and said: "Unfortunately at this moment I have to keep it private."