Mark Davis, Getty Images
In the past, Simon wasn't exactly known for his warm and fuzzy personality. Throughout his years as 'American Idol's toughest critic, he built quite the reputation for telling it like it is with his painfully honest critiques. But the mentor aspect of the inaugural U.S. season of 'The X Factor' brought out the softer side of Simon as he coached and encouraged his group of young girls to greatness -- including the show's winner Melanie Amaro.
Watching the then-13-year-old contestant Rachel Crow sob in Simon's arms after being eliminated struck a chord with viewers, and got us thinking about his seemingly staunch views on fatherhood. Cowell has previously admitted he has no plans to ever become a father, a position AOL Music revisited with the TV mogul in a recent interview.
So has the 'X Factor' mentor role changed his feelings about one day becoming a father? "Well ... yes," he admitted with some hesitation. "And no. I do really, really like kids, because I can talk to them and listen to them," Simon explained. "The problem has always been how much time you need to devote to bringing up kids and I've always dedicated all my life to work, and at 52, I've probably missed the opportunity," he said.
When prompted about whether or not his career was also to blame for the fact that he has yet to tie the knot, Simon answered, "Yeah, I would actually [attribute it to that], yes. But it's fine. It's just one of those things. I'm still friends with all my ex-girlfriends. I've still got them around, but it is difficult when you're working sometimes 16 hours a day, until 5 o'clock in the morning. That's hard when you're living with someone, it really is."
See Simon's Former 'X Factor' Co-Star Nicole Scherzinger's Best Red Carpet Looks
- Nicole at a FOX Event
- Nicole at a Press Event
- Scherzy at an 'X Factor' Event
- Nicole Posing at a FOX Event
- Nicole at the 2012 Brit Awards
- Nicole Waves to Fans
- Awkward Award Show Moments
- Most Awkward Behind-the-Bro Hug
- Best Slink Down the Red Carpet
- Most Cringe-Worthy Embrace
- Best 'Someone Please Save Me' Face
- Most Lopsided Hug
- Best 'Why Am I Posing With These People?' Face
- Best 'We Don't Really Want to Kiss Each Other' Kiss
- Most Uncomfortable-Looking Conversation
- Most Sketchy Side-Eye Hug
- Best 'If Looks Could Kill' Face
- Most Unfortunate Dance Moves
- Most Unnerving Dress
- Best 'Get That Camera Out of My Face' Face
- Most Awkward Head to Bosom Ratio
- Most Well-Placed Priorites
- Best Model Leer
- Most Uncomfortable Body Language
- Best Kiss Miss
- Best Audience Push Down
- Best Disapproving Photo Bomb
- Best Muppet Smackdown
- Musicians Who Look Like Cartoon Characters
- Taylor Momsen and Kung Fu Panda
- Taylor Swift and a Japanese Anime Character
- Miley Cyrus and a Chipette from Alvin and the Chipmunks
- Nicki Minaj and Rainbow Brite
- Fergie and Janice from the Muppets
- Rihanna and Cleo, the fish from Pinocchio
- Nicole Scherzinger and Jasmine from Aladdin
- Accident-Prone Pop Stars
- Kelly Osbourne
- Justin Bieber
- Jessie J
- P!nk
- SkyBlu of LMFAO
- Rihanna
- Sean "Diddy" Combs
Watch 'Rachel Crow on Simon Cowell'
RichMingle.com
4EVR
Kellie Pickler Gets Puppy Surprise After Moving 'Dancing With the Stars' Performance
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Blake Shelton Joins NBC in Organizing Oklahoma Tornado Benefit Concert
Chief Keef Receives Apology From Katy Perry
Charlie Sheen Gets Back To His Roots
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
That's An Interesting Look, Madge
Toby Keith Returns to Help Family, Friends in Moore, Oklahoma
WHOOPS! Obama Makes Big Gaffe
Black Hippy Release 'U.O.E.N.O.' Remix
Candid Portraits Of Strippers After Hours
Mariah Carey's Dress Busts Open During 'GMA' Performance
16 Pasta Dishes Worse Than Yours
Blake Shelton's 'Healing in the Heartland' Benefit Show to Include Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert More
Mariah Carey Curses And Busts Out Of Dress On Live TV
AMAZING PHOTO: UFO Spotted Over San Diego
Killed Soldier In London Attack Identified
Abercrombie Announces Plummeting Sales Amid Controversy
What It's Like To Talk To A 2-Year-Old
Luke Wilson Caught Staring At Fan's Chest
Best Friends Reportedly Die Holding Each Other In Tornado
Danny Tanner Is Fighting With Topanga
Rapper Accused Of Faking His Own Death To Escape Payments
New Trayvon Martin Evidence Features Incriminating Photos, Texts From Teen
Jury Foreman: '18 Days Of Testimony Hurt' Jodi Arias
Teenager's 'Awww'-Inspiring Drawing Wins Big At Google
Surgeons Remove Giant Hairball From Tiger
Brave Woman Stood Down Armed London Attackers
WATCH: Police Force Shows Up To Support 5-Year-Old Who Lost Her Dad
Jodi Arias Jury DEADLOCKED
Mum-Of-Two Faces Down Woolwich Attack Suspects
'DWTS' Shakeup Ahead?
33 Comments