Simon Cowell: Being a father changes nothing!

Los Angeles - Simon Cowell has insisted that being a father will not affect how he judges contestants on the X Factor.

The 54-year-old media mogul - who has seven-month-old Eric with partner Lauren Silverman - has revealed that he will judge the hopefuls on their voices and the success of their performances.

When asked if his judging style had changed since the birth of Eric, he told The Sun's TV Magazine: "I don't see how it could.

"I mean, you've got someone who is rubbish, just because you've got a baby doesn't mean you will suddenly say that they're good."

Simon was joined at his Los Angeles mansion by ex-girlfriend and So Macho hitmaker, Sinitta, who helped him whittle down his six contestants in the 'Overs' category to just three.

The 45-year-old singer - who has appeared as an aide on the show for nine of its 11 series - revealed there was a different atmosphere at the house this year.

She said: "It's very different doing Judges' Houses compared to the last time we filmed it here, five years ago.

"The difference is having the baby and the dogs. The house is just warmer, more relaxed."

Meanwhile, Simon has also revealed that he took his final six contestants to see One Direction perform on their Where We Are stadium tour at the nearby Rose Bowl.

He explained: "That was an interesting reality check for them as it was the day before they performed.

"They were at a concert with 60,000 people watching a group who came from X Factor.

"It probably was a bit daunting. It's a lot to live up to, but it is proof that you can do something from this show."