Cowell buys Jackson birthday sword

Rex Features

Simon Cowell has bought American Idol co-star Randy Jackson a sword for his birthday.

Jackson, who celebrated turning 52 at a party in LA last week, said he wasn't sure why Cowell had selected the gift.

"[It's a] barbaric-looking sword," he told People. "I don't know what part of me he wants to cut off, but that's a whole 'nother thing."

The reality TV judge said he was hoping to receive a more practical present from Paula Abdul.

"Paula has not given me anything yet but I think I know what she's getting me," he said. "I was talking to her last week so she knows what I want.

"It will be something I can use instead of looking at and saying, 'What the hell is this?'"