New American Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres has admitted that she often finds Simon Cowell to be “mean and insensitive”.

DeGeneres told the Street Journal: “We both like each other and accept one another. At the same time I think he’s mean and I think he says things in an insensitive way.

“I don’t think that’s the way to get a point across. I’ve called him on it to his face. I’ll do the same thing to him [on the show].”

Talking about her judging style in comparison to Paula Abduls, DeGeneres said: “I don’t know if I’ll be as nurturing as she is. She always found a positive thing to say instead of attacking.

“I’ll probably try to be somewhat encouraging… But I’ll be honest. I don’t think it helps anybody to be encouraged and not told the truth.”