Cowell: 'Idol' will have to go younger

Simon Cowell has said the minimum age for American Idol contestants will eventually be lowered to 14.

Speaking to girlfriend Teri Seymour on US show Extra, he said: "All these shows, including Idol, in the future are going to have to go younger. We're going to have to drop the age from 16 to 14 soon."

He also urged future hopefuls to turn on the waterworks to win votes, saying: "[Crying] doesn't do you any harm when you're in a competition, especially if you're a girl."