Faryl Smith's mother was wary of Cowell

Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith turned down a record deal with Simon Cowell following a dispute over contract terms, it has been revealed.

Music mogul Cowell hoped to snap up the 13-year-old classical singer for his Syco record label, but her mother Linda did not believe he had the teen's best interests at heart.

Smith later signed a £2.3 million deal with Universal and released her self-titled debut album in March.

Speaking to The Mail On Sunday, Linda confirmed: "Simon normally signs everyone who appears on his shows to his label. When Faryl started doing the show, a two-inch thick contract came in and I was just: 'No way'.

"I love Simon, he's been very good to us, but I have to put my daughter before everything. People can talk a good talk but, ultimately, everyone sees Faryl as a money-making machine whereas to me she's my little girl and I have to protect her at all costs.

"I'm not signing her away to anyone. We went with Universal because they gave us everything we asked for."

Smith wowed the judges with performances of 'Ave Maria' and 'In The Arms Of Angels' during her stint on the ITV1 talent show last year. She eventually reached the programme's final but missed out on a place in the top three.