Simon Cowell, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday party, whisked American Idol make-up artist away for a luxury vacation before his birthday bash.

The “American Idol” judge, who previously denied speculations that he is dating 36-year-old Mezhgan Hussainy, insisted that they are only good friends but he is happy to spend some time with her for a private break.

A source thought that the getaway will be a perfect way for the pair to spend quality time together.

Simon Cowell revealed that he especially enjoyed working with “feisty” pop rocker Katy Perry.

The “American Idol” judge continued that “Waking Up in Vegas” singer wasn’t afraid to stand up to him during the judging process as he described her as feisty and quirky.

Simon, who is the headstrong and honest judge on the panel, added that he still won Perry over and the songstress did not know how right he was until she sat next to him.

Dermot O’Leary said that music mogul Simon Cowell taunted him about the car he wanted to buy.

The ‘X Factor’ presenter claimed that Cowell taunted him after overheard him discussing a car he was thinking of buying.

Dermot dished the scoop that he was concerned of Audi’s emissions and Simon pulled a face, like my concerns were pathetic. He pointed out that Cowell owned two Rolls Royce cars and appeared that he’s not really concerned about emissions.

Meanwhile, Ant and Dec pointed out that Cowell is the biggest pain for being always late, saying: “He can’t be doing his hair or wondering what to wear so why’s he so late?!”

While Paula Abdul combs the Help Wanted ads, her fellow judge on American Idol, Simon Cowell is apparently going to be snipping at contestants on the top-rated FOX show for the next three seasons, at least — at a salary of $45 million a year, up from his current $36 million, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The trade paper cites CEO and chairman of the parent company that produces Idol, Robert Sillerman, as saying that Cowell is closing the deal to remain with the show, after he earlier had hinted he might leave — as Abdul did last week. Other judges Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson will remain, either through current or new contract, and host Ryan Seacrest recently renewed with the show.

As for Cowell, Sillerman said that FOX “asked us to pre-approve him not only for American Idol ‘09, which has begun taping, but they have also asked us for approval for ‘10 and ‘11, indicating to us that they’re finishing their negotiation with Cowell. We did grant approval for that quite obviously.”

A representative for FOX TV had no comment.

Despite word that Paula Abdul likely won’t appear on American Idol next season, fellow judge Simon Cowell isn’t worried.

“She’ll be fine. She’ll be on the show,” he tells Extra. “I don’t get a lot of say. I’ve just made it clear that I want Paula on the show.”

Added host Ryan Seacrest (who just inked a $45 million, three-year contract): “I think as far as I know, you’ll see everybody back. I hope so.”

David Sonenberg, Abdul’s manager, raised concern over the weekend, telling the Los Angeles Times that the singer-dancer hasn’t been offered a contract yet.

“She’s not a happy camper as a result of what’s going on. She’s hurt,” he told the paper.

Meanwhile, a grass-roots “Keep Paula” campaign has launched on Twitter to keep Abdul on the show.

Matt Giraud, Anoop Desai and Danny Gokey — who are now on the Idol live tour – are among the alums who’ve taken time out to join the campaign.

Over the weekend, Abdul took to her Twitter page to thank fans for standing by her.

She wrote: “I”m actually moved 2 tears upon reading the enormous amount of tweets showing me your kindness, love & undying support. God bless all you! If it weren’t for you, this specific time and situation would feel a lot worse! XoP”

Simon Cowell is shooting down a report he has been offered up to $144 million to stay on “American Idol.”

On Tuesday, the New York Post reported that “Idol’s” British judge had been offered between $100 and $144 million to stay on the show when his contract expires next May.

Fox declined yesterday to comment about the salary negotiations.

Sources close to the two friends say that this is just the first step to the creation of an international TV production, talent management and merchandising company, which would put Cowell in a position to actually make money off his ideas and the talent he discovers, not just reap a salary for having his mug on screen.

“This is about properly owning himself, Brand Cowell, everything he does, new formats and new programs, not just the ones starring him,” a source close to Green told The Guardian.

But, according to Simon a figure hasn’t been brought up yet.

“We’re in a very amicable negotiation,” Simon told Access Hollywood. “I’m not commenting about the money. It hasn’t even been discussed yet.”

“Idol” is only one of Cowell’s TV contracts which are on the verge of expiring. His three-year deal, which spawned hits “Britain’s Got Talent” and “The X-Factor,” with UK’s ITV, ends this year.

Simon Cowell is known worldwide for his directness and honesty when it comoes to judging talent on shows like American Idol. So it’s no surprise that he’s ready with an answer when asked whether Adam Lambert is a clear winner this year.

“I’d love him in the final with Danny [Gokey],” he tells Fox & Friends in part one of an interview that aired this morning. “Kris [Allen] is a nice guy but he’s not a good enough singer to compete with Adam. The only one who’s good enough to compete with Adam on vocals is Danny.”

As for that famous directness, Simon insists he’s no different than anyone else.

“I think deep down we’re all like that,” he says. “We’re all thinking dark things, thank goodness. We are. I think… American[s] are are just more polite.”

It seems Simon might want to clue fellow judge Paula Abdul in on that whole directness thing, as he explains why he giggles at her during the show.

“I just sit there totally amused by this complete rubbish that comes out of her mouth,” he laughs. “I’m like, what does that mean? Do you like it, yes or no.”

Simon Cowell is “a full-time job”, says his former girlfriend Terri Seymour.

Terri – who dated Simon for six years before they split last November – is still helping the music mogul manage his busy life.

She said: “Looking after Simon’s a full-time job when you go out with him – and I’m still doing it now! I’m still overseeing and finalizing his new house, I’ve project-managed it all, right down to the furniture. There’s no way he’ll remember what furniture will be arriving because we ordered it four years ago!”

The 34-year-old TV presenter insists she sees Simon, 49, as often as when they were a couple.

She continued: “Simon and I speak six times a day, and I see him all the time. We’re happy as we are. We still see each other as much as when we were together. We didn’t end on bad terms, so why would you want somebody out of your life just because you’re not seeing them?”

Terri also revealed she was surprised their relationship lasted so long because they wanted different things.

She added: “From the beginning I knew he never wanted to get married and have kids. I’ve never been one of those people who dreamt of getting married, although I’d love to have a baby. I probably feel this way because my mum raised me as a single parent. Having a child with someone means more than having a marriage certificate. My clock’s not ticking yet – although I’d like to have a child before I turn 40.”

THE brother of X Factor star Simon Cowell is planning to take him on by appearing on rival Strictly Come Dancing.

Tony Cowell has approached BBC producers about being a contestant in the next show.

A source revealed: “It’s early days but Tony’s been in touch and producers are keen. The Cowell brothers going head-to-head would make great Saturday night telly. There’s always been a rivalry between Strictly and X Factor and this would take that up a notch.”

Half-brothers Tony, 56, and Simon, 48, are close. Tony, a literary agent, even wrote Simon’s biography.

Former Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland has also talked to the BBC about appearing in the next series.

Our source added: “Kelly is keen to do the show and has made no secret of it. She’s got a lovely figure and would love to learn ballroom.”

But two names already ruled out are The Chuckle Brothers.

Our source revealed: “They’ve been told they’re not exactly what Strictly is looking for.”

Simon Cowell has laughed off rumors he has given his former girlfriend Terri Seymour a £5million ‘parting gift’… because she was the one who dumped him.

The model-turned-TV presenter ended the couple’s six year relationship in the summer, but they only confirmed the split earlier this month.

In a bizarre joint interview on U.S. television, the couple insisted that their relationship ended on good terms and they remain close friends.

Simon Cowell was reported to have given Teri Seymour £2.3million in cash and another £2.3million mansion in Beverly Hills.

When asked why they had broken up, the “X Factor” judge said: “Because Terri decided to dump me. You sent me a text.”

Teri Seymour insisted: “I didn’t dump you. It was just time. We had a great six years, and we’re the best of friends.”

Simon Cowell laughed off rumors of a ‘golden goodbye’, saying: “That is actually not a true story. If anything I should be getting the money. Rumors come around, there was no £5million, no.”

Despite their split, the couple still talk every day on the phone as the 49-year-old American Idol judge said: “I do call Terri, first, when I’ve got an issue or I’m moaning about something, or I want to bounce an idea off.”

Teri Seymour, 34, agreed: “We do speak more now on the phone all the time. It’s true.”

Since their split, Teri Seymour has been linked to Hollywood heartthrob Stephen Dorff.