Cowell: "I'm the best 'X Factor' judge"

Simon Cowell has claimed that he is the best judge on The X Factor.

The pop mogul, who is celebrating his 47th birthday today, thinks that co-stars Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh should show their appreciation for his abilities instead of being constantly critical.

"I only want one thing for my birthday and that is for Louis and Sharon to appreciate what I do," Cowell told the Daily Star. "I want them to acknowledge that I am the best judge on The X Factor. They both know it is true. That is all I want this year - and I don't think it is much to ask!

"They are both incredibly competitive and I'm never competitive until the later stages. But I have told them this year I won't have any water-throwing. I've told them absolutely not."

Asked about his expectations of this year's hopefuls, Simon added: "Put it this way, I am not looking for what we were looking for last year. I think there has been a significant shift in what the public want and expect. So I am not looking for a traditional talent show competitor this year."