Cowell confident over 'X Factor' chances

Simon Cowell has revealed that he is feeling confident about his chances of winning The X Factor this year.

The judge, who was Leona Lewis's mentor in 2006, insisted that he will be able to spot potential winners in any of the four categories.

"I don't care which category I'm given as I think I have the ability to find the best in any category - that's what I do better than any of the judges," Cowell claimed. "Whatever I'm given, I'll always make the most of it. You can always spot the good in any category.

"When Leona won, I felt like I won and I want to win this competition again! I think the idea of Dannii winning again this year is unbearable!"

Cowell also admitted that he is tired of the other judges wasting time by putting poor acts through to boot camp.

"My role is a reality check to everybody," he said. "At the end of the day you've got to find a recording artist and turn them into a star, so just get real and stop putting all the characters through. I'm there to give the correct advice to these people."

The X Factor's fifth series begins on Saturday at 7.30pm on ITV1.